Winter is almost upon us and along with the start of the winter season we have so many opening weekend parties and concerts to look forward to across Austria. Here are the biggest opening weekends to look out for this winter.

 

Ischgl – Top of the Mountain Opening Concert

29 November 2025

Few places launch a season with the glamour and energy of Ischgl. Its Top of the Mountain Opening Concert has become a legend, drawing tens of thousands of ski and music fans each year. In 2025, British singer, songwriter and actress Rita Ora will headline the show. The concert stage is set at 1,377 m with the Tyrolean Alps as a backdrop – an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Beyond the music, the weekend (28 Nov – 30 Nov) is all about early-season skiing on Ischgl’s 239 km of pistes, vibrant après-ski, and international flair.

Tickets:

• Included with multi-day ski passes or season tickets (Ischgl/Samnaun and Paznaun/Samnaun).
• Day ski pass + concert access: €95 adults, €60 children (under 8s free with an adult).
• Special discounted tickets available for holders of Tirol’s Snow Card and other regional passes.

More info – Ischgl Opening Concert

Insider tip: Tennis fans should check out the premier edition of the Ischgl Trophy (11–13 Dec 2025).

 

Schladming–Dachstein – Ski Opening with Backstreet Boys

5–7 December 2025

After hosting Bryan Adams, Sting, and Simply Red in 2024, Schladming is raising the bar again with Backstreet Boys headlining its 2025 Ski Opening Festival. Fans can expect three days of nostalgia-fuelled pop anthems from the world’s most famous boy band, plus a festival atmosphere throughout the town.

Programme:

• Friday–Sunday, 5–7 Dec 2025: Backstreet Boys perform nightly, supported by DJs and warm-up acts.
• Daily: Skiing on the freshly prepared slopes of the Planai and Hochwurzen, après-ski events, and late-night parties.

Tickets & Packages:

• Single tickets are already sold out.
• Packages (hotel, ski pass + concert) still available through the Schladming-Dachstein Tourist Office.

More info – Schladming Ski Opening

 

St. Anton am Arlberg – Stanton Ski Open

6–8 December 2025

St. Anton keeps it authentic with a three-day festival celebrating both skiing and mountain culture. The Stanton Ski Open 2025 offers:

• Free ski and snowboard testing at the Galzigbahn base.
• Live music across three stages, with everything from international acts to tribute bands (past years have featured Queen, Elton John, and Bowie tributes).
• Workshops and lectures: Learn ski waxing techniques or join the Arlberg Safety Camp for avalanche know-how.
• Food trucks & après-ski bars spread through the town.
• Advent Magic Sunday in the museum park – a traditional Tyrolean Christmas market atmosphere.

This event blends high-octane skiing with authentic alpine tradition – perfect for families, freeriders, and après-ski fans alike.

More info – St. Anton Ski Open

 

Gastein – Winter:Start Festival

12–14 December 2025

Gastein makes its mark with the Winter:Start Festival – a long weekend of sport, lifestyle, and live music. Expect two nights of concerts under the banner of GASTEIN SOUNDS, plus ski shows, freestyle demos, and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

• Concerts: Outdoor stages with Austrian and international performers (line-up announced autumn 2025).
• Slope action: Ski shows and free equipment testing on Gastein’s high-altitude runs.
• Atmosphere: A mix of sporty energy and spa culture – ski in the day, then relax in the thermal waters of the Alpentherme.

More info – Gastein Ski Opening

 

Flachau – Colourful Winter Opening

6–7 December 2025

Flachau promises a weekend of fun and variety – ski tests, DJ sets, fireworks, and après-ski right in the village. It’s an excellent choice for younger groups looking for a lively, social start to the season without the mega-crowds of Ischgl or Schladming.

More info – Flachau Opening

 

Already Skiing? Austria’s Glacier Resorts 2025

If you just can’t wait, Austria’s glaciers guarantee snow even before the big openings:

• Sölden: Skiing begins in early October with the FIS Alpine World Cup opener on Rettenbach Glacier.
• Hintertux Glacier: Open year-round, with over 20 km skiable in November.
• Pitztal Glacier, Kaunertal Glacier & Stubai Glacier: All progressively open their terrain through October and November.

 

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