European ski resorts are gearing up for an early start to the ski season as heavy snowfall blankets the Alps. Following warm weather in October, the region experienced a significant drop in temperature and substantial snowfall in the first weeks of November.
Some slopes have reported receiving more than a meter of fresh snow in the past week, with more snowfall expected. Ski enthusiasts can anticipate a “winter wonderland” in Alpine destinations like Crans Montana, La Plagne, Chamonix, and Saint Anton, with forecasts of up to 50cm of snow next week, as stated by holiday company Ski Solutions.
While no slopes in France are currently open, notable resorts such as Tignes and Val Thorens have announced an early opening on November 18, ahead of schedule. In Austria, Kitzbühel and Sölden have also opened two weeks earlier than planned, offering skiers 60 kilometers of vertical terrain.
Switzerland has nine areas already open, including popular destinations like Davos, Zermatt, and Verbier, the latter of which started operations three weeks earlier than usual. Italy’s ski resorts have seen nearly a meter of snow in the last week, prompting Madonna di Campiglio to move its opening day forward to November 18.
Starting on December 15, a new upscale sleeper train, the Espresso Cadore, will operate from Rome to the renowned ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
