Early Start for Austrian Ski Season
The 2025-26 ski season in Austria has officially begun, with five prominent glacier ski resorts now welcoming visitors. This early commencement signals the start of what is anticipated to be a full season for winter sports enthusiasts across the country.
First Glaciers Open Their Slopes
The initial phase of the season saw two major glacier resorts opening their doors to skiers. The Pitztal Glacier and the Hintertux Glacier both began operations on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The Hintertux Glacier is notably recognized as Austria's sole year-round ski area. At its opening, Hintertux featured 15 km of trails and 10 lifts in operation. Pitztal, Austria's highest glacier, started its season on its upper elevations, with guests accessing the glacier via the Gletscherexpress funicular lift.
Additional Glacier Resorts Follow Suit
Following the initial openings, three more glacier resorts have since commenced their 2025-26 operations. The Stubai Glacier, Austria's largest glacier ski area, opened on September 30, 2025, offering five lifts and two trails, along with dining and retail services. Sölden began its season on October 2, 2025, with most runs on the Rettenbach glacier open and preparations underway for upcoming World Cup races. The Kaunertal Glacier also joined the open resorts on October 3, 2025.
Outlook for the Season
These early openings on Austria's glaciers provide a significant head start for the country's vital ski tourism industry. Other resorts, such as Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun) and Mölltaler Glacier, are projected to open later in October, specifically on October 11, 2025, further expanding the available ski terrain. The timely start of the season is crucial for resorts, many of which rely on advanced snow farming techniques and high-altitude locations to ensure reliable conditions.
6 Comments
Comandante
Great job by the resorts getting everything ready so soon. Dedication!
Mariposa
More artificial snow and resource drain. Not a win for the environment.
Habibi
It's exciting for skiers and good for local economies, but the reliance on high-altitude and snow farming makes me wonder about the long-term viability of these glacier resorts.
Bermudez
Fantastic news for Austrian tourism! Get those skis ready!
Africa
YES! So ready for the slopes! See you there!
eliphas
Seeing these resorts open early is a testament to their operational efficiency, but it also raises questions about the energy and water resources needed to maintain skiable conditions in a warming climate.