The storm which ravaged central Europe this week brought huge snow deposits over the higher elevations of the Alps.
Sept. 17, 2024
For some areas, the skiing is already underway. The Hintertux Glacier (pictured above) had near unskiable depths of new snow in the last 2 days, conditions that were welcomed today with bright blue skies. Whilst mid-September is early(ish) to begin the glacier skiing season in the Alps, it still surprises many that the scheduled opening of the winter season is normally early October. For those far from 3000m plus peaks, the thought of skiable slopes at the start of autumn is a fantasy.
Besides the whopping winter storm that rolled through the higher elevations of the Alps, the snowy end to the 23/24 winter played a role in the early opening. In the weeks before the closure of the Stubai Glacier for summer maintenance, huge volumes of snow were positioned to replenish the extremities of the glacier. This accumulated snow was of sufficient depth to survive the summer months and form the base layer for the new season. This snow recycling is the new norm for glacial and non-glacial ski areas.
Located about half an hour south of Innsbruck, the Stubai Glacier offers snow security for pre-Christmas and late-season corporate ski trips. The facilities are excellent, as are meeting spaces on the mountain and après ski around the base station.
High-altitude and snowsure ski areas across the Alps. Take some of the stress out of planning a corporate ski trip by aiming high.