Summer has only just ended, and while many are still enjoying sunny days, many are already getting the winter sports itch. For those who can't wait to get their skis and snowboards out of the closet, there are ski resorts worldwide that are already open in September. One of these areas is Saas-Fee in Switzerland, a popular destination for recreational skiers and professional athletes alike, such as Jules De Sloover, who is preparing here for the upcoming World Cup competitions.
Ski resorts that open in September
While most ski resorts don't start their lifts until later in the year, there are some locations where conditions are already perfect for winter sports early in the season. This is mainly due to the high altitude of these areas and the presence of glaciers, where snow remains all year round. Some of the most famous ski resorts that open in September include:
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Saas-Fee, Switzerland: This picturesque village in the Swiss Alps is one of the first areas to open each year. The ski area is located on the Fee Glacier, which offers a snow-sure destination for both recreational and professional skiers. With slopes reaching over 3,600 meters, Saas-Fee is a dream location for those who can't wait for winter. It's a very dreamy ski village and car-free!
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Zermatt, Switzerland: Just a short distance from Saas-Fee is Zermatt, another top ski resort known for its glacier slopes and the iconic Matterhorn. Zermatt offers year-round skiing fun, but in September the winter season really starts to get going. Where luxury and winter sports come together.
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Hintertux, Austria: This Austrian ski resort is also a favorite among early birds. Hintertux is the only glacier ski resort in Austria that is open all year round. In September, the winter season officially begins here, and conditions are often ideal for serious skiers and snowboarders.
Jules De Sloover: preparations in Saas-Fee
While many are still thinking about their winter holiday, Jules De Sloover, one of Belgium's most promising freestyle snowboarders, is already hard at work in Saas-Fee. De Sloover is using the early opening of the area to prepare for the upcoming World Cup competitions. Saas-Fee is an ideal place for many professional athletes to train due to its altitude, excellent snow conditions, and quiet environment.
What makes Saas-Fee extra special is that the village is car-free. This means that the only sounds you hear are the sounds of nature. The wind blowing through the mountains, the soft crunch of snow under your feet, and the gurgling of mountain streams. This creates a unique, serene atmosphere that distinguishes Saas-Fee from many other ski resorts. For Jules De Sloover, this quiet environment is the perfect place to concentrate and refine his skills.
Saas-Fee: more than just skiing
Saas-Fee offers more than just skiing fun. The car-free village is known for its charming, traditional Swiss architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. After a day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy local cuisine in one of the many cozy restaurants or relax in one of the spas the village has to offer.
Advantages of skiing in September
- Skiing in September offers the chance to experience fresh snow early in the season. At altitude, snow can fall regularly, allowing you to make the first descents without having to wait long for winter.
- It's an excellent way to get ready for the approaching winter season, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
- September is low season; the summer holidays are over, and the autumn holidays have yet to begin. This means the slopes are wonderfully quiet, and many accommodations can be booked at attractive prices.
- Autumn in the Alps also has its own charm. You enjoy the best of both worlds: autumn colors in the valleys and winter conditions on the peaks.
Disadvantages of skiing in September
- Although September can often offer winter conditions, the weather conditions are less predictable than in the heart of winter.
- It can feel wintry, but also be very mild with little to no snow.
- In addition, the snow conditions are different from those in the winter months. In the morning, the slopes are often hard, but by noon they can become slushy due to warmer temperatures.
- This means you have to get up early to enjoy the best conditions.
- Moreover, the slopes are open for shorter periods, and the availability of open areas is more limited.
For winter sports enthusiasts who can't wait for the winter season, September offers a unique opportunity to hit the snow early. With ski resorts like Saas-Fee, Zermatt, and Hintertux already opening their slopes, there's no reason to wait. And who knows, you might even meet Jules De Sloover as he prepares for his next big victory.
