2019 Ski Resort Opening Dates
Can’t wait to hit the slopes this season? Read on to discover the 2019 ski resort opening dates in Europe, Canada, and Japan.
With the 2019 ski resort opening dates fast approaching, we’re all getting excited to strap on our ski boots (or snowboards) and head back out on the slopes. The white stuff is really starting to fall in our beloved northern hemisphere resorts, so now seems like the appropriate time to finally declare: ‘Winter is coming’. Whether you’ve planned your break already or you’re searching for some early season last-minute availability inspiration, we thought you might like to know when the ski lifts for all of our resorts officially start running this year.
Just a quick note, we’ve listed both the full and partial opening dates (for the resorts that offer them), which means some runs and lifts will be closed for a certain time, and others will possibly be opening earlier if snow coverage is good. We’ve also included resort heights, to help you make an informed ‘risk assessment’ on snow conditions before booking a break too early. So far the snowfall seems strong, so you’ve got a reasonably good chance of shredding some early season gnar, as they say in Canada. Just give us a call on 0208 939 0862 or enquire online to find out how flexiski can make your 2019/20 ski break happen.
Norway
Typically opening earlier than most, Norwegian 2019 ski resort opening dates generally lie around mid-November to early December. A good bet for an early break, these resorts don’t suffer much in low altitudes, as Norway is one of the world's northernmost countries.
Trysil (350m): 09/11/19 - 26/04/20
Geilo (800m): 01/12/19 - 26/04/20
Myrkdalen (450m): 30/11 - 03/05/20
Norefjell (815m): 30/11/19 - 22/04/20
France
French ski resorts are quite keen on partial openings. While skiing at the end of November in some resorts is possible (due to high altitudes) these won’t mean you’ll have access to all that the area can offer, so we’d recommend shooting for early to mid December onwards as a rule for most resorts in France.
Alpe d’Huez (1869m): 30/11/19 - 25/04/20
Avoriaz (1800m): 13/12/19 - 19/04/20
Chamonix (1035m): 07/12/19 partial, 21/12/19 - 03/05/20 official
Les Houches (1010m): 07/12/19 partial 21/12/19 - 13/04/20 official
Courchevel (1800m): 07/12/19 - 26/04/20
La Clusaz (1100m): 21/12/19 - 26/04/20
Les Arcs (2120m): 14/12/19 - 26/04/20
Les Deux Alpes (1650m): 30/11/19 - 25/04/20
Megeve (1100m): 14/12/19 partial, 21/12/19 - 13/04/20 official
Meribel (1700m): 07/12/19 - 26/04/20
Tignes (2100m): 30/11/19 – 03/05/20
Val d’Isere (1850m): 29/11/19 – 03/05/20
Val Thorens (2300m): 23/11/19- 03/05/20
Austria
Many of the Austrian resorts may surprise you with their opening times. Despite low altitudes, weather systems, snowmaking facilities, high elevation glaciers, and average area temperatures all mean that Austria’s seemingly low altitude resorts can open unseasonably early.
Bad Hofgastein (860m): 30/11/19 - 13/04/20
Kaprun (785m): 29/11/19 - 13/04/20
Kitzbuhel (760m): 19/10/19 – 03/05/20 partial
Mayrhofen (630m): 07/12/19 - 19/04/20
Obergurgl (1930m): 14/11/19 partial, 24/11/19 - 26/04/20
St Anton (1305m): 29/11/19 - 28/04/20
St Johann (670m): 07/12/19 - 29/03/20
Zell am See (755m): 29/11/19 - 13/04/20
Italy
Despite relatively early opening dates, Italy is typically unreliable for snow during early and late season dates. Shoot for early to mid December (as with most resorts in France) and you shouldn’t encounter any problems here.
Courmayeur (1225m): 30/11/19 - 13/04/20
Cortina (1225m): 30/11/19 - 03/05/20
Sauze d’Oulx (1510m): 07/12/19 - 11/04/20
Switzerland
The winter ski season in Switzerland generally starts around late November in Switzerland. As always, earlier dates mean snow can’t be guaranteed, so you’re always going to be gambling when you opt for the earliest possible date.
Engelberg (1050m): 07/10/19 – 26/05/20
Champery (1037m): 14/12/19 – 13/04/20
Grindelwald (1034m): 16/11/19 – 19/04/20
Wengen (1275m): 16/11/19 – 19/04/20
Canada
Ski seasons in Canada run generally from November to April, wherever in the country you’re visiting. With Canadian resorts you’re likely to encounter fairly snow sure conditions from the opening date but you may be restricted on where you can ski. By the start of December though, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
Banff (1380m): 08/11/19 - 03/05/20
Lake Louise (1645m): 08/11/19 - 03/05/20
Sun Peaks (1255m): 23/11/19 - 13/04/2020
Whistler (675m): 28/11/19 - 19/04/20
Japan
January to February is generally the best time to go skiing in Japan, but there’s really no reason not to visit from mid-December. Don’t let the deceptively low elevations put you off, Japan is a powder paradise - it’s even been nicknamed ‘Japow’.
Rusutsu (235m): 23/11/19 - 05/04/20
Niseko (235m): 23/11/19 - 06/05/20
Interested in booking a short ski break or ski weekend at some point this season? Enquire online or speak to one of our Ski Specialists on 01962 587777.