Hintertux, Austria

Located in the valley of Zillertal‘s Tux, this place is a true gem and a long-time favourite for many snowboarders. Firstly, it’s got a rad park. Secondly, it’s more or less open year-round. Thirdly, you’ve got great powder runs (you’re on a glacier remember so be sure you know the area well enough to go off-piste). Finally, it’s only a half an hour drive from Mayrhofen – a solid favourite amongst for many party-loving Brits. Hintertux might not be the biggest resort, but its overall vibe and amazing scenery more than make up for this.

Closest Airport: Innsbruck
Resort Height: 1,500m to 3,250m
Lifts: 16
Pistes: 60km
2019/20 Planned Opening: October 12th to May 8th
Price 1 day: €55,50
Price 6 days: €266,50

Kaunertal, Austria

Here you’ll find one of the most scenic roads you could ever hope to come across. The drive from the tiny city of Feichten will probably be the most memorable rides of your life, either because of its stunning scenery or because you’ve never felt so ‘on the edge’ sitting in a car. Curving its way through the national park all the way to the snowy glacier tops, you really ought to avoid being hungover when driving up this road. However, once you’ve made it to the top, rest assured that it’s well worth the ride. Kaunertal isn’t big, but as it is located in a national park you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from all your responsibilities. Oh, and they’ve got a banging snowpark too.

Closest Airport: Innsbruck
Resort Height: 1,100 m to 3,518 m
Lifts: 6
Pistes: 30km
2019/20 Planned Opening: September 28th to May 10th
Price 1 day: €43/€47
Price 6 days: €201/€224

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Austria

Kitzsteinhorn, another epic glacier located in the heart of the Austrian Alps. However, it is the only glacier located within the Salzburg region of Austria, making it one of its kind. The pistes are known to be snowsure, so if you’re looking for another place to head to for some pre-season laps, Kitzteinhorn is a solid choice. Thanks to its location, it’s also an ideal option if you fancy spending some time exploring the city of Salzburg before heading out to the snow. On top of that, they’ve also opened Salzburg’s first tri-cable gondola connecting Kitzsteinhorn with the town of Kaprun and Maiskogel Family Mountain, giving you even easier access to the surrounding resorts. If you’re looking for a good family-friendly destination with picturesque views, wide pistes that fit the needs of everyone from beginners to mad chargers, then Kitzsteinhorn is right up your alley.

Closest Airport: Salzburg
Resort Height: 2,000 m to 3,203 m
Lifts: 23
Pistes: 61km
2019/20 Planned Opening: October 12th to May 3rd (For the Snowpark – Skiing operation in general until June 1st)
Price 1 day: €51/€56.50 €
Price 6 days: €250/€278

Stubai, Austria

It’s easily accessible, it is open nearly year-round, and it’s the biggest glacier in Austria – three things that help make Stubai the popular resort it is. Known for its versatility and massive kicker lines, Stubai Zoo is where the pros come to play during the Prime Park Sessions in early November. This beautiful glacier has more to offer than just its park though. The pistes are long and versatile, making Stubai ideal if you’re planning a holiday with a bunch of people whose skill levels vary Even if Austria’s been blessed with some pre-season snow during the last years, remember to be careful when heading off-piste – falling into a glacier crack isn’t exactly a recipe for a successful holiday.

Closest Airport: Innsbruck
Resort Height: 1,695 m to 3,210 m
Lifts: 26
Pistes: 108km
2019/20 Planned Opening: September 15th to May 3rd
Price 1 day: €50
Price 6 days: €239

Sölden, Austria

Sölden, the Austrian resort famous for offering our favourite 007 agent a run for his money and also home to the sickest snowboard comp of the century – Audi Nines. On top of all that, this little gem is also a solid destination if you want to work on your early bird goggle tan. It might be a bit more spenny than the average Mayrhofen trip, but its scenery and top-notch slopes make it well worth the money.

Closest Airport: Innsbruck
Resort Height: 1,350 m to 3,340 m
Lifts: 31
Pistes: 144km
2019/20 Planned Opening: November 14th to May 3rd
Price 1 day: €55/€56
Price 6 days: €272,50/€302,50

Tignes, France

This little French mountain town is a freeride haven for the lost souls. With the main village being based at an impressive altitude of 2100m, Tignes is a pretty safe choice if powder is what you’re looking to get. It’s a hell of a drive from the airport, but the epic scenery along the way will definitely get you stoked on all the riding you’ll get to be doing.

Closest Airports: Lyon and Geneva
Resort Height: 1,550 m to 3,456 m (together with Val D’isere)
Lifts: 75 (together with Val D’isere)
Pistes: 300km (together with Val D’isere)
2019/20 Planned Opening: November 30th to May 3rd
Price 1 day: €49/€61 (together with Val D’isere)
Price 6 days: €244/€304 (together with Val D’isere)

Val d’isere, France

Together with Tignes, Val d’isere covers an impressive 300km in pistes. Val d’isere is the crème de la crème of the Alps, and you’ll be surrounded by Moncler wearing creatures popping bottles of Dom Perignon from dusk ‘til dawn. The benefits of such a spenny resort can be seen as the pistes are very well kept. And if money isn’t an issue, we’d suggest you treat yourself to the ski pass that covers both Tignes and Val d’isere – you’ll have access to more runs than you’ll know what to do with.

Closest Airports: Chambery, Lyon and Geneva
Resort Height: 1,550 m to 3,456 m (together with Tignes)
Lifts: 75 (together with Tignes)
Pistes: 300km (together with Tignes)
2019/20 Planned Opening: November 30th to May 3rd
Price 1 day: €49/€61 (together with Tignes)
Price 6 days: €244/€304 (together with Tignes)

Val Thorens, France

Resting at an impressive height of 2300m above sea level, Val Thorens claims the title of the highest resort in Europe. Together with Courchevel, Meribel, and Les Menuires, it forms the gigantic ski area 3 Vallees, which offers more than 600km of piste. The town itself isn’t exactly an architectural masterpiece, but the mountains that surround it are a sight for sore eyes.

Closest Airports: Chambéry and Geneva
Resort Height: 1,850 m to 3,220 m
Lifts: 31
Pistes: 140km
2019/20 Planned Opening: November 23rd to May 3rd
Price 1 day: €44,80/€56
Price 6 days: €209,60/€262

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, or more frequently know as Matterhorn Ski Paradise or ‘Toblerone mountain’, is another solid choice for the early-season snow-hunters. This Swiss resort is open 365 days a year and is linked with its Italian brother, Cervinia. You can get a joint ticket, which allows you access to both resorts, but Zermatt’s got plenty to offer on its own as well.

Closests Airports: Sion, Geneva, Zurich and Milan
Resort Height: 1,620 m to 3,899 m
Lifts: 52
Pistes: 360km
2019/20 Planned Opening: November 30th to May 1st
Price 1 day: From CHF 79.00
Price 6 days: From CHF 338.00