Ski season dates, when do resorts open and close
Most Alpine ski resorts open in early December and close in mid to late April, with the most reliable snow from January to March. High and glacier resorts open earlier and close later, low resorts open later and close sooner, and a handful of glaciers run into summer or year round. Here are the honest season dates by region, and how to read them.
By the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026
The short answer: the core Northern Hemisphere ski season runs from early December to mid April, the dependable heart of it is January to March, and altitude decides everything at the edges. A high or glacier resort can be skiing in November and still open in May, while a low village may not open until late December and can be patchy by early April. North America runs a touch longer at both ends, Japan peaks in January and February, and the Southern Hemisphere skis from June to October while the north is closed.
Season dates by region at a glance
Opening and closing dates vary year to year with the snow, but these are the dependable windows to plan around. Treat the early and late edges as weather dependent rather than guaranteed.
| Region | Typical opening | Typical closing | Best snow window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alps, mainstream resorts | Early December | Mid to late April | January to March |
| Alps, high and glacier | Late October to November | Early May, some into summer | December to April |
| Alps, low resorts | Mid to late December | Early April | January to February |
| North America | Late November | Mid April, some to May | January to March |
| Japan | Early December | Early May at altitude | January to February |
| Scandinavia | Late November | Late April, far north into May | February to April |
| Southern Hemisphere | Mid June | Early October | July to September |
The Alps: early December to late April
The mainstream Alpine season opens in early December, builds through the Christmas and New Year peak, and runs to mid or late April before the lower runs give out. January to March is the dependable core, with the coldest, most reliable snow and the best chance of fresh falls. This is the window to book if you want certainty rather than a gamble.
Altitude is the whole story at the edges. High, snow sure resorts like Val Thorens, Europe's highest, often open in mid November and ski into early May, while glacier resorts such as Tignes and Solden open even earlier. Low villages can open late and close early, so for an early December or late April trip, go high. The relationship is covered in full in how altitude affects your ski holiday.
Glaciers and summer skiing
A small number of glacier resorts ski beyond the normal season, and a couple run close to year round. Zermatt is the standout, with glacier skiing that holds snow into the summer months thanks to its altitude, and it is the most reliable place in the Alps for skiing outside the core season. Several Austrian and French glaciers open from autumn for early season training before the resorts proper.
Summer glacier skiing is a specialist trip rather than a normal holiday: the open terrain is limited, the skiing is best early in the morning before the snow softens, and it is aimed at racers, freestyle camps and keen skiers topping up rather than families. If skiing in June or later is the goal, a high glacier is the only honest answer.
North America, Japan and Scandinavia
North American resorts tend to open a little earlier and run a little later than the Alps, with many opening in late November and the biggest staying open into May. The dependable snow window is the same January to March core, and the high Rockies and Sierra resorts can hold spring snow for late season laps when the Alps have closed lower down.
Japan is a midwinter story: the season opens in early December, but the famous deep, dry powder peaks hard in January and February, which is when serious snow chasers go. Read the Japan powder season explained before booking. Scandinavia opens in late November and runs to late April, with the far north skiing into May under long spring daylight, though the short, dark days of midwinter are the trade off.
The Southern Hemisphere: June to October
When the Northern Hemisphere closes, the Andes and the resorts of Australia and New Zealand open. The Southern Hemisphere season runs from roughly mid June to early October, with the best snow usually from July to September. It is the answer for anyone who wants to ski in the northern summer, though the areas are smaller and the snow less reliable than a peak Alpine week.
The verdict: how to use these dates
Match your dates to altitude and you remove most of the snow risk. Want certainty: book January to March at any decent resort. Skiing early December or late April: go high or glacier, like Val Thorens, Tignes or Zermatt, and skip the low villages. Want a quiet, sunny, good value week: late March and early April at a snow sure resort, the subject of our Easter skiing guide. Chasing powder: mid January for the Alps, January and February for Japan.
The single most common mistake is booking a low resort at the very start or end of the season and hoping. Choose the resort to fit the date, not the other way round, and read when to book for the best prices to line up timing with cost. If you tell us your dates and group, we will route your brief to operators who can match the right resort to your week.
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Questions worth asking
When does the ski season start?
Mainstream Alpine resorts open in early December, while high and glacier resorts can open from late October or November. North America and Scandinavia tend to open in late November. The dependable snow does not arrive everywhere until the season settles in January, so the very start can be weather dependent at lower resorts.
When does the ski season end?
Most Alpine resorts close in mid to late April, with high resorts skiing into early May and a few glaciers running into summer or year round. North America often runs to mid April or May, and the far north of Scandinavia can ski into May. Low resorts usually wind down in early April as the snow thins.
What is the best month to ski?
January to March is the dependable core, with the coldest, most reliable snow. February is the safest all round bet but the busiest and dearest, while mid January and late March offer the best value. The right month also depends on your priorities, which is the subject of our January, February and March comparison.
Can you ski in summer?
Yes, but only on high glaciers and only on a limited basis. Zermatt is the most reliable for summer glacier skiing, holding snow into the warmer months, and a few glaciers open for autumn training. Summer skiing is a specialist trip with limited open terrain, best early in the morning, rather than a normal holiday.
Do all resorts open and close on the same dates?
No. Altitude is the deciding factor: high and glacier resorts open earlier and close later, low resorts open later and close sooner. Snowfall in any given year shifts the exact dates, so the published opening and closing dates are targets that depend on conditions, especially at the start and end of the season.
When is the Southern Hemisphere ski season?
The Andes, Australia and New Zealand ski from roughly mid June to early October, with the best snow usually from July to September. It is the option for skiing during the northern summer, though the resorts are smaller and the snow less reliable than a peak Alpine or North American week.