Nov. 10, 2023
Winter in Europe is all about height, and perceptions of the winter season vary across regions. For many skiers and snowboarders, winter starts when snow falls, and ski lifts turn, usually in early December. To Zermatt or Zell am See residents, winter starts when the first snows fall in late September, earlier for those of the Zillertal Valley with access to the Hintertux Glacier. And so it is that winter 2023/24 started either early or late, depending on location.
Our world has fine-tuned the ability to sugar-coat everything present-day - stunning imagery floods our devices as soon as a product highlight emerges. So, whilst the winter of 2022/23 was anywhere between poor to average, depending on location, the conditions in parts of the Alps in November 2023 are superb. Cold and wet weather systems have produced a stable or falling snowline on the peaks, and the high-altitude, non-glacier ski areas are starting to open.
Across Europe’s towns and cities, Christmas markets will be opening to bring some atmosphere to the dark December evenings. The same is true of those in the Alps, but these markets have snow underfoot and are enjoyed after a day on the snow. For event planners who have been scrambling for Christmas party ideas, then next year, look no further than a corporate Christmas party in the Alps - it is a box ticker.
After Sölden opens today, Obergurgl will open next week, followed by Ischgl and Axamer Lizum in Innsbruck. Tignes opens next week, and on November 25th, action in Val Thorens will begin. Zermatt has been operating since the start of the month.