As we write this article, the first snowflakes are falling at high altitude. The storm system widely forecast by meteorologists has begun blanketing Alpine peaks from Switzerland to Italy, bringing much-needed relief to glaciers battered by a scorching summer.
After months of suffering caused by anomalously high temperatures even at the highest elevations, crisp winter air is finally back. With summer holidays behind us, thoughts turn to winter and skiing; beach days and summer mountain hikes are packed away as we reach for our skis and snowboards ahead of the new season.
Where to ski in September? Lifts already open
Despite the heat, skiing never came to a complete halt: even during the hottest months, skiing continued on the Plateau Rosà Glacier (Cervinia-Zermatt), the Saas-Fee glacier in Switzerland, and Hintertux in Austria. Only Passo Stelvio experienced a brief pause when glacier conditions forced a temporary lift closure during the hottest weeks.
Now the ski lifts at Passo Stelvio are back in full operation, and right now the first snowflakes are falling. Weather forecasts call for 30–40 cm of fresh snow by the time the storm passes, but the most encouraging news of all is the return of sub-zero temperatures at high altitude.
Snow at Passo Stelvio – September 1
The resorts listed above will keep their lifts open throughout the month of September.
While summer skiing is back in full swing, the fresh snow expected over the next few hours opens up new prospects for lift openings. September is usually a transition month between the warm summer season and the first cold snaps, and highly variable weather conditions often prevent high-altitude destinations from scheduling an early start to the season.
Even so, several resorts are betting on being ready soon to welcome the first skiers eager to carve up the slopes—here is who they are:
Val Senales Glacier
Until a few years ago, summer skiing and snowboarding were a fixture in Val Senales, which boasted one of Europe’s largest summer snowparks and slopes frequented by scores of snow enthusiasts even during the warmest months.
However, global warming compromised summer operations, and severe glacier melt forced operators to bring summer skiing to an end so the glacier could rest beneath protective geotextile sheets (which shield the ice from the sun).
While summer skiing is now a thing of the past, Val Senales still retains the ability to open well ahead of other ski destinations. The first snowflakes have already fallen in the South Tyrolean ski area, and everyone is hoping for a heavy snowfall capable of dramatically transforming the landscape.
Estimated lift opening date: September 15, 2017
For Italy’s Val Senales Glacier, the target opening date is set for mid-September. Naturally, this is a provisional date and everything will depend on the weather over the coming weeks.
It is also worth noting that the Val Senales Glacier usually reserves its initial opening for ski clubs returning to high-altitude training, though everything depends on how much snow falls.
We recommend keeping an eye on the official website for breaking updates: www.valsenales.com/it/il-ghiacciaio.html
Pitztal Glacier (Austria)
The Pitztal Glacier is a lesser-known ski destination among Italian skiers, who usually favor better-known resorts like Hintertux, Stubai, and Sölden. Yet this Austrian stronghold regularly surprises everyone with early lift openings that beat its rivals to the punch.
Though relatively compact, the glacier enjoys a reputation for being particularly snowy: it is often the first to catch early-season snowstorms, and as we write it is snowing heavily there (unlike Stubai, where rain is still falling).
Snowfall at Pitztal – September 1
Estimated lift opening date: September 15, 2017
Currently, the lift opening date is set for mid-September, and if the ongoing storm brings at least half a meter of snow, that target could well become reality. In fact, the ski resort is equipped with a state-of-the-art snowmaking system capable of producing snow even at temperatures slightly above freezing; if weather conditions cooperate, the snowmaking system could produce enough snow to groom the first slopes and kick off the season.
For more info, visit the official website: www.pitztal.com
Sölden (Austria)
Host venue for the opening stage of the Alpine Ski World Cup, Sölden has also welcomed back the snow. The famous glacier in the Austrian Tyrol is getting ready to reopen its ski lifts and welcome the world’s top ski racers.
Sölden is famous not only as one of Austria’s premier ski destinations, but also as one of the most technologically advanced. Its artificial snowmaking network reaches even the highest elevations of the ski area thanks to installations extending right into the heart of the glacier.
This enables the Tyrolean resort to secure the glacier base and prepare its ski runs in record time with top-quality snow conditions.
Snowfall in Soelden – September 1
Estimated lift opening date: September 16, 2017
As one of Austria’s flagship ski resorts, Sölden will do everything in its power to open its ski lifts on the scheduled date. Natural snowfall will certainly tip the scales, but as mentioned, a key role will also be played by its advanced snowmaking system capable of making snow along all the high-altitude runs.
For more info: www.soelden.com
Tips on where to ski in September
If your legs are already itching to carve turns and you simply cannot wait any longer, we recommend heading to established summer ski destinations such as Stelvio, Hintertux, and Plateau Rosà. Now that temperatures have returned to normal, snow conditions there will be excellent, and at this time of year a fresh dusting of white snow is almost always part of the picture.
Pitztal, Sölden, and Val Senales can also become great options if the season starts early; heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures can transform the landscape and snow conditions in no time.
Most importantly, summer is drawing to a close and it is time to get your body (pre-ski fitness exercises) and gear ready—because while only a few resorts open in September, by October the list of open lifts will be much longer!
Enjoy getting back on the snow!
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