02.10.2024

Austria's Biggest Opening Ski-Weekends

Ski season is almost upon us and what better way to kick off the 24/25 winter season than an opening weekend ski trip.

With that in mind, here is a list of the best opening weekends in Austria this winter...

Paznaun/Ischgl: Top of the Mountain Opening Concert with Ellie Goulding: 30th November 2024

The Top of the Mountain Opening Concert in Ischgl marks the start of the winter season with a spectacular musical event. On 30th November 2024, Ellie Goulding will take to the stage, performing hits from her latest album Higher Than Heaven, as well as fan favourites like "Miracle." Set against the stunning Tyrolean mountains, this concert promises an unforgettable experience for winter sports and music lovers alike. From 28th November to 1st December, combine world-class skiing on Ischgl’s pristine slopes with unforgettable après-ski vibes.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 30th November 2024

Time: Concert begins at 6:00 pm (admission from 4:30 pm)

Location: Silvrettaseilbahn car park, Ischgl (Silvrettabahn A1, car park P1)

Ticket Information

Entry with Multi-Day Ski Passes:

Ischgl/Samnaun and Paznaun/Samnaun season tickets, as well as valid ski passes for two or more days, include entry to the concert.

Entry with a Day Ski Pass:

A day ski pass on 30th November 2024 (including concert access) costs:

€90 for adults/senior citizens

€60 for children (under 17; under 8s go free with an adult)

Passes are not available without concert access.

Special Conditions:

Ski association ticket holders (Freizeitticket Tirol, Regiocard Südbünden, Snow Card Tirol, Snowpass Graubünden) can purchase a discounted day pass for €60, which includes concert access. However, these tickets are not valid on 30th November.

For More Information Click Here

Ski Opening Schladming-Dachstein: The Grand Festival 2024

From 6th to 8th December 2024, the Schladming-Dachstein region will host the Grand Festival to celebrate the start of the ski season. This year’s ski opening event features performances by three international superstars: Bryan Adams, Sting, and Simply Red. Concerts will take place at the Schladming Planai Stadium, with showtimes at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 6:00 pm on Sunday.

Artists and Dates:

Bryan Adams – Friday, 6th December 2024

Sting – Saturday, 7th December 2024

Simply Red – Sunday, 8th December 2024

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available from 24th June 2024, with special packages that include accommodation and ski passes.

The Line-Up

Bryan Adams (6th December): Kicking off the event, Adams will perform hits from his "So Happy It Hurts" tour, including classics like "Summer of '69" and "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)."

Sting (7th December): On Saturday, Sting will take the stage with his "STING 3.0" tour, performing hits from his time with The Police and his solo career.

Simply Red (8th December): Closing the weekend, Simply Red, led by Mick Hucknall, will celebrate their 40th anniversary with hits like "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don’t Know Me by Now."

Experience world-class music alongside Schladming's great ski slopes for an unforgettable weekend!

For More Information Click Here

St. Anton Ski Open: 6th-8th December 2024

The Stanton Ski Open 2024 in St. Anton am Arlberg marks the beginning of the winter season with a vibrant three-day festival from 6th to 8th December. Attendees can enjoy free ski and snowboard tests, live music across three stages, and a variety of food trucks creating a festive atmosphere. There will also be an avalanche safety lecture and the Arlberg Safety Camp for mountain safety insights. The weekend ends with a traditional Advent Magic celebration on Sunday.

Event Highlights:

Free ski and snowboard testing each day at the Galzigbahn.

Live music featuring performances on three stages in the pedestrian zone.

Ski waxing workshops provided by HKW Skiwax.

Avalanche safety lecture by Michael Larcher on Saturday evening.

Advent Magic in the park on Sunday.

Programme Overview

Friday, 6th December 2024

08:30 - 16:00: Free ski and snowboard testing

11:00 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 16:00: Ski wax workshops

17:00 - 22:00: Live music and food trucks

Live Music Stages:

Griesplatz: Steve Ray, Selecta, Captain Curtis

Municipality: Stompin' Howie & The Voodoo Train, Andie Gabauer

Tourism Office: U2 Tribute (Achtung Babies), David Bowie Tribute (The Bowie Show)

Saturday, 7th December 2024

08:30 - 16:00: Free ski and snowboard testing

11:00 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 16:00: Ski wax workshops

17:00 - 22:00: Live music and food trucks

19:00 - 21:00: Avalanche safety lecture by Michael Larcher

Live Music Stages:

Griesplatz: Fät Tony, Medun, AVAION

Municipality: The Kids of Adelaide, Unlimited Culture

Tourism Office: Elton John Tribute (Eltonology), Queen Tribute (The Queen Tribute)

Sunday, 8th December 2024

08:30 - 15:00: Free ski and snowboard testing

09:00 - 14:00: Arlberg Safety Camp

13:00 - 14:00: Ski wax workshop

From 17:00: Advent Magic in the Museum Park

For More Information Click Here

Gurgl: Diamond of the Alps

Gurgl is set to kick off the 2024/2025 ski season with fantastic conditions due to early snow. Gurgl will open on November 14th, 2024 (with neighbouring Sölden already open). These resorts are renowned for their high altitudes and reliable snow coverage, guaranteeing top skiing experiences.

Gurgl, referred to as the Diamond of the Alps, is another standout with 112 kilometers of slopes and an altitude ranging from 1,800 to 3,250 meters, ensuring consistent snow conditions. The area is famous for its ski-in/ski-out luxury hotels and breathtaking winter scenery. This year, Gurgl will also host a Men's Slalom Race from the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup on November 18, 2024, a first for the resort.

In Sölden the winter season starts at the beginning of October, as soon as the stars of the Alpine Ski World Cup get together on Rettenbach Glacier high above Sölden – for the Alpine Ski Championship Season Opener. "Ladies first" is the slogan of the Women's giant slalom held on Saturday while the Men's competition takes place on Sunday.

For More Information Click Here

Ski Resorts That Are Already Open!!

Can’t wait until the season kicks off? Well here are the ski resorts that are already up and running for Winter 25

Hintertux Glacier: This resort currently has 35% of its slopes open, with 22 km available for skiing and 12 out of 21 lifts running. The snow depth at the top is 65 cm.
Sölden: About 7% of the slopes are open with 9 out of 31 lifts operating, covering 10.7 km of slopes. The top snow depth is 91 cm.
Pitztal Glacier: 13% of the slopes are available for skiing, with 5 km open and 2 of 7 lifts running. Snow depth reaches 50 cm at the peak.
Kaunertal Glacier: Around 9% of its slopes are open, offering 5 km of ski terrain and 3 out of 8 lifts in operation, with a snow depth of 35 cm at the top.
Stubai Glacier: 22% of its slopes are open, with 14.8 km available and 5 of 26 lifts operational. It has a snow depth of 25 cm at the highest points.