Autumn skiing
Where to Ski in October 2026: Glacier Resorts Open in Autumn
By Book & Ski · Sources checked
The short answer
In October 2026 you can ski on Austria’s glaciers: Hintertux (early October), Mölltal (from 3 October), Kitzsteinhorn (from 10 October), and Sölden and Stubai (from mid-October). In Italy, Cervinia is scheduled to open on 24 October. Zermatt’s summer glacier season runs to 31 October before its winter season starts on 1 November.
| Resort | Country | Autumn 2026 | Season closes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hintertux Glacier | Austria | From early October | 11 April 2027 | source |
| Mölltal Glacier | Austria | From 3 October | 30 May 2027 | source |
| Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun) | Austria | From 10 October | May 2027 | source |
| Sölden glaciers | Austria | From mid-October | End of April 2027 | source |
| Stubai Glacier | Austria | From mid-October | Mid-April 2027 | source |
| Cervinia | Italy | From 24 October | – | source |
| Zermatt (summer glacier season) | Switzerland | Summer season until 31 October; winter from 1 November | 2 May 2027 | source |
What to expect on an October ski trip
Autumn glacier skiing means a small area of high-altitude pistes, often reached by one main lift. Days are shorter, temperatures at 3,000 m can be well below zero, and storms can close upper lifts. Treat it as a technique or warm-up trip rather than a full ski holiday, and book flexible accommodation in the valley.
Lift passes for autumn glacier skiing
Glacier passes in autumn are usually priced separately from main-season passes. Zermatt’s summer pass costs CHF 99 a day for adults (CHF 84 youth, CHF 50 child) and CHF 386 for six days, valid until 31 October 2026. Check each glacier’s own autumn tariff before you travel.
Zermatt lift pass prices 2026/27 →Getting there
Cervinia is 118 km from Turin Airport. Zermatt is about 3½ hours by train from Zurich Airport.
How to get to Cervinia →How to get to Zermatt →Frequently asked questions
Can you ski in Europe in October?
Yes, on glaciers. In 2026 Mölltal opens on 3 October, Kitzsteinhorn on 10 October, Sölden and Stubai in mid-October, and Cervinia on 24 October.
Which glacier opens first in 2026?
Among the dates published by the Austrian National Tourist Office, Mölltal Glacier opens first on 3 October 2026, with Hintertux also opening in early October.
Official sources
- Austrian National Tourist Office: winter openings Austria 2026/27
- Matterhorn Paradise: ski pass prices (summer and winter)
- Cervinia: official site
Checked on . Prices and timetables change; confirm with the operator before you pay. How we research.