We’ve always been fans of early-season glacier skiing, especially after the summer months. As autumn arrives, there’s no need to wait until December to hit the slopes—Alpine glacier ski areas are already open and ready.

Feeling tempted? Here are six reasons to grab your skis and go.

1. Hardly anyone is here

In October, the Hintertux hums with activity. Because of the steep pitch of some of its highest slopes, it’s the preferred early-autumn training ground for several national ski teams, and in the school half-term breaks, they’re joined by families, clubs and freestylers (because the jumps and bumps of the Betterpark are open too). 

In November, suddenly, it’s much quieter – despite the fact that the snow can be better.  Local guide Stefan told us the weekends are busier. But at 10 am on Monday, hardly anyone is out. The national ski teams have gone. The kids are all back at school, and although more skiers emerge as the morning progresses, you just have to wait a moment for them to pass, and you’d have the slope to yourself.

2. If you’re lucky, you’ll ski powder too

We have be lucky enough to get fresh tracks on a glacier day. You just never know when you will get snow! 

Bear in mind, however, that lower down the mountain the snow isn’t deep enough to properly cover all the rocks. Even if you can’t see them, they’re still lurking just below the surface, ready to scratch your skis to ribbons if you don’t know where you’re going. Higher up, there’s the danger of skiing into a crevasse too. So make sure you’re with a qualified guide and kitted out with avalanche safety equipment.

3. It’s the perfect moment to fine-tune your technique

 A glacier in November presents a fantastic opportunity to book a ski instructor. Are we putting enough weight on our outside ski when we turn? Are we relying solely on our knees and ankles for downward force while neglecting our hips? With the pistes so empty and the snow so soft, even a single half-day lesson can make a significant difference in our skiing. Don’t miss this chance to refine your skills and enjoy the slopes. 

4. The scenery will blow your mind

It’s hard to overstate how beautiful the Alps look beneath a cloudless blue sky. If we’re used to city streets or autumn weather, it can be difficult to grasp the sense of scale when you first lay eyes on them. We might say “wow,” but it doesn’t seem real. Then, all of a sudden, you will tune into your surroundings. Then you begin to feel the depth and height of the mountains, not just see them. It’s like staring into an outdoor swimming pool on a glorious sunny day, just before we dive in.

5. Even a beer will feel amazing

After a fantastic day of skiing, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a cold beer and soaking up those epic alpine views. 

6 early season glaciers 

These resorts offer great early-season skiing and stunning alpine views!

• Zermatt, Switzerland (Matterhorn Glacier)
  Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier
• Hintertux, Austria
  Hintertux Glacier
• Stubai, Austria (Stubai Glacier)
  Stubai Glacier
• Saas Fee, Switzerland
  Saas Fee Glacier
• Les Deux Alpes, France
  Les Deux Alpes
• Tignes, France (La Grande Motte Glacier)
  Tignes – La Grande Motte Glacier