Almost half of the 11 glacier ski areas that have opened already for the 22-23 ski season are in the famous Austrian ski province of Tirol.
And with ski areas currently open in eight countries on four continents, Tirol on its own has more glacier ski areas open than any country …other than Austria.
Of Tirol’s five open glacier ski areas, Hintertux is now the only ski area in the world that has managed to keep operating year-round after others succumbed to the extreme heat at altitude in the Alps during the summer.
It currently has the most slopes open in the world with 32km (20 miles) available, not bad for mid-October.
Another Tirol area, Sölden, has the second most terrain open in Europe and is gearing up to host the start of the FIS World Cup Alpine Ski Racing tour this weekend (preparations pictured above).
The province’s Pitztal, Kaunertal and Stubai glaciers are also already open.
All of Tirol’s areas have been reporting good early season conditions despite thin cover on glaciers across the Alps. There’s been plenty of sunshine but also some lift to moderate snowfall up high to refresh surfaces.
Many already have their terrain parks open and have been running new season gear tests for those lucky enough to get on the snow already, as well as Oktoberfests (picture above is from Stubai last weekend).
There are currently three glacier areas open in Switzerland and two in Italy with the start of the French glacier ski season unfortunately on hold until more snow arrives.
We have a regularly Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
