Best ski resorts for early snow!

Summer is over, winter jumpers are starting to make their way out from the back of your wardrobe, the heating is being cranked up rather than the AC and you are getting increasingly excited about the upcoming ski season!

Well…if there’s snow then why not go? We thought we’d give you early birds a helping hand finding the resorts that are well known for early season snow!

Hintertux, Austria: If its snow you want, then Hintertux is one of the most snow sure resorts in the Alps. The glacier (3,250m) located in the Ziller valley is one of only two ski resorts in the world offering skiing 365 days a year – the other being Zermatt in Switzerland.  The resort is great for all abilities and offers great free ride runs and parks for those skiers/boarders that like a challenge!

Check out the great video from the guys at Betterpark below! 

Cervinia, Italy: Due to the resorts height, Cervinia usually opens its gates in late October. The highest slopes sit at 3,480m however Cervinia shares a glacier with Zermatt which sits at 3,820m so snow is pretty much guaranteed up that high! You may not be able to ski back down to base in the early season, however you can usually reach the mid stations at around 2,800m. The resort as a whole is very good at extending the ski terrain where possible and by December the snow cover is at its best so Cervinia is perfect for a Christmas time break!

Obertauern, Austria: Obertauern does not have a glacier to draw in the crowds, however it has very impressive natural snowfall and fantastic snow making facilities which usually means the majority of terrain is open by late November!
The resort is not one of the highest, with its peaks sitting at 2,315m but as its situated on the eastern side of the alps the temperature remains lower, meaning the snow sticks! Plus the resort is incredibly easy to navigate thanks to its large bowl shaped layout.

Val Thorens, France: Europe’s highest ski resort, Val T usually opens a week earlier than its competition Tignes/Val d’Isere. The resorts altitude and modern snow making facilities means guaranteed snow cover by late November.
Although Val Thorens cannot compete with the size of the Espace Killy region (Until the 3 valleys opens!) it usually offers more reliable resort level snow.

Val d’Isere/Tignes, France: Arguably the best bet in the Alps for an all round early ski holiday! Other resorts will have early snow as mentioned above but few resorts pride themselves on early openings! Espace Killy managed to open the majority of their terrain by the end of November and the glacier in Tignes can be skied in early autumn! Val d’isere boasts one of the largest man-made snow systems in Europe so this area is a no brainer!

The team here at RxSport hope everybody has a great winter season, if you need any ski goggles / helmets for your upcoming trips – make sure you check out our great range!