Who decided that returning to the slopes means waiting for December? While in the city you’re still torn between a light jacket and a coat, up high the snow season has already begun. Between the first open runs in Italy and the glaciers of Tyrol, autumn becomes the perfect excuse for a white, off-season weekend. Here’s where you can already have fun on the snow.
Breuil-Cervinia
In Breuil-Cervinia you can ski again. The 2026/2027 winter season kicked off on October 24, with the first enthusiasts back on the slopes at the foot of the Matterhorn. An early start for those who were waiting for the moment to rejoin the skis. The international resort area, which connects Cervinia, Valtournenche and the Swiss Zermatt, offers a total of 322 kilometers of pistes. For now, however, skiing is available only on part of the network. There are 13 lifts active out of the 15 planned in this phase. The upcoming openings will depend on the weather and snow conditions.
Val Senales Glacier
Since September 19 the ski season has officially begun on the Val Senales glacier with the first descents already tasting the love of snow. The area, which offers 42 kilometers of pistes, will continue its gradual opening but already presents numerous activities open. By the end of October a still very reduced portion of the runs is available, with new openings planned throughout November, snow permitting.
Don’t think, however, that the fun ends when you take off your boots. From November 19 to 21 several events are announced to celebrate the season’s start, including music, DJ sets, a concert by ABBA Stars and an après-ski party at the Hotel Grawand, at 3,212 meters. If you prefer something quieter, you can alternate days on the glacier with autumnal walks and gastronomic breaks in the valley towns.
Stelvio Pass
Here the calendar runs in reverse. At the Stelvio Pass, in Lombardy, skiing is mainly during the summer and autumn, while winter’s arrival marks the seasonal pause for the resort. The operation will stay open only until November 1, 2026… but we still have a few days to ski.
The resort features 9 kilometers of pistes in total, although only a portion is currently usable. It’s an appealing destination for those looking to regain confidence with the turns without waiting for the grande(s) winter stations to open.
The end-of-season bonus? From October 29 to November 1 the location hosts the Pirovano Winter Party, with ski lessons, Fischer equipment tests, DJ sets, traditional dinners and moments of relaxation in the wellness area. The grand finale is entrusted to a chestnut festival: a decidedly successful blend of sport, mountains and autumn atmosphere.
Upcoming Openings
Keep an eye on the calendar—upcoming openings aren’t that far away. The kick-off will be given by Solda all’Ortles, which will reopen the slopes on October 31. Livigno, Courmayeur, La Thuile and Monterosa Ski 3 Valli will activate from November 28. It will be necessary to wait until December 4 for Bormio, Val Gardena and Carezza, and December 5 for Tarvisio and the Via Lattea.
Anyone dreaming of skiing and not wanting to wait for winter can already consider several options in Italy to book a snow weekend and enjoy outdoor sport.
