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Sölden confirms: The ski season will open on October 31.
The Sulden am Ortler ski resort in Italy announced that it will open the 2026–27 winter season on Saturday, October 31. This places the resort among the earliest options for skiing in the Alps.
Sulden am Ortler will open the 2026–27 season next weekend, October 31. | Photo: Sulden Cable Cars
The resort announced the date on social media and presented it as the final opening date. According to the plan, operations will continue until May 2, 2027, placing it among the ski resorts with the longest seasons in Europe.
Sulden is located in the Venosta Valley in South Tyrol, below the Ortler Range and near the border with Switzerland. The resort’s ski area extends from approximately 1,900 meters to about 3,250 meters, and its high elevation helps it maintain a long ski season.
However, the extent of skiing on opening day will be determined by snow conditions and operating conditions. The resort’s announcement did not specify which lifts and runs will open at the start of the season.
Sulden’s opening comes as the ski season in Europe begins to gather momentum. Resorts already operating include Hintertux, Stubai, Pitztal, Sölden, Kaunertal and Kitzsteinhorn in Austria; Schnalstal and Alpe d’Huez in Italy; as well as Saas-Fee, Zermatt and Diavolezza in Switzerland. Levi and Ruka in Finland are also open, partly thanks to the use of snow stockpiled in advance.
At this early stage of the season, the terrain available for skiing remains limited at many resorts. As of now, Sölden offers the largest open area on the list, with 30 kilometers of prepared runs. Only two summer resorts, Galdhøpiggen and Passo Stelvio, remain open, but they are expected to close during the coming week.
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