Last season we were lucky with the early season opening in Verbier, on the first weekend of November. This year we were hoping for the same, but unfortunately it has generally been a warm autumn apart from the unexpected snowfall three weeks ago. Verbier will not open this weekend, and whether it will open for next weekend will depend on the weather which could go in either direction over the coming days. But, do not fear, other glacier resorts are up and running. Here is a quick run-down of what’s open:
Zermatt
In Zermatt it is possible ski year round. To get from the town up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise takes some time, but once you are there, there is quite big area open to ski already. Thanks to the snowfall a few weeks ago the Furggsattel Gletscherbahn chairlift is open as well, which will allow you to have a good warm up for the ski season.
It is also possible to reach the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Cervinia in Italy, worth a try and cheaper to stay overnight.
Saas Fee
The glacier of Saas Fee is well known for race training in the summer and autumn and it is normally packed with race teams from all over Europe! Like any other resort it will take you some time to arrive at the glacier, but once there, you can enjoy some nice red slopes in very good condition.
Diablerets – Glacier 3000
This is one you may not be aware of, Diablerets. Within 1 hour and 10 minutes from Verbier you can be at the cable car station at the Col du Pillon, which is located in between Leysin and Gstaad. From there you can take the cable car up to the Scex Rouge where you can join the glacier if the conditions allow.
Before you decide to head to one of these glaciers, make sure you check the latest resort information.
