European Ski Resorts That Are Open in September

We might still technically be in summer but the leaves are starting to turn and the first snowfall has hit the Alps on September 5 and then again on September 10, giving a sense of longing to those of us who consider ski season the superior season.

If you are one of those die-hard skiers or snowboarders who simply cannot wait for the season to start again, there are a handful of resorts opening in September to wet your appetite for the 2025-26 season.

Austria

Hintertux

Hintertux glacier can typically operate year round but due to a lack of demand tends to close in recent years for September. The resort has been closed since mid-August and will reopen on September 27.

Pitztaler Gletscher

Another glacier on high terrain set to open in September is the Pitztaler Gletscher which will open on September 27.

Sölden

Sölden’s glacier offers early season skiing and training conditions on the Rettenbach glacier. The glacier ski area will open on September 26, while the remainder of the resort will not open until November.

Italy

Schnalstal/Val Senales

Schnalstal/Val Senales in South Tyrol—the German speaking part of Italy—will be the first ski resort to kick off the Italian season on September 19. The Grawand chairlift will start spinning on the glacier area at an altitude of 3,212 meters (10,538 feet).

Stelvio Pass

Stelvio Pass glacier ski area has been open all summer and will remain open until early November, unless considerable snowfall closes the access road earlier. 

Switzerland

Zermatt

Zermatt is open year-round, so for guaranteed snow, head to the Matterhorn for some turns on the Theodul Glacier. 

Saas-Fee

Also currently open for skiing and snowboarding is Zermatt’s neighbor Saas-Fee, which also boasts a glacier ski area.

Norway

Galdhøppigen

Galdhøppigen is one of Norway’s summer ski areas. The resort has been closed for a few weeks and is slated to reopen on September 19.

What to Expect & Things to Check

Even when resorts are technically “open” in September, conditions vary significantly:

• Limited terrain: Often only glacier lifts and high-altitude runs are in service. Lower mountain lifts, parks, or terrain far from glaciers may be closed.
• Snow quality can be sketchy, especially early. Frost, ice, or thin cover are common — especially in the mornings or before fresh snowfall.
• Lift schedules and hours tend to be reduced. Some lifts might run only for a few hours a day.
• Glacier access and safety: Crevasse risk, snow bridges, and weather changes can impact whether certain glacier routes are open. Always check with the resort for official opening dates and status.