Summer has barely ended, and while many people are still enjoying the 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 around the world that are already open in September. One of these areas is the Swiss Saas-Fee, a popular destination for both recreational skiers and professional athletes such as Jules De Sloover, who is preparing for the upcoming World Cup competitions here.
Ski areas that open as early as September
Although most ski resorts don’t open their lifts until later in the year, there are a few locations where conditions are perfect for skiing 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 popular 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 that reach 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 lies Zermatt, another top ski resort known for its glacier slopes and the iconic Matterhorn. Zermatt offers year-round skiing, but September is when the winter season really gets going. Where luxury meets winter sports.
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Hintertux, Austria : This Austrian ski resort is also a favorite among early risers. Hintertux is the only glacier ski resort in Austria that is open all year round. The winter season officially begins here in September, and conditions are often ideal for serious skiers and snowboarders.
Jules De Sloover: preparations in Saas-Fee
While many people are still thinking about their winter vacation, Jules De Sloover, one of Belgium's most promising freestyle snowboarders, is already hard at work in Saas-Fee. De Sloover is taking advantage of 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 because of its altitude, excellent snow conditions and peaceful surroundings.
What makes Saas-Fee extra special is that the village is car-free. This means that the only sounds you hear are those of nature. The wind blowing through the mountains, the soft crunch of snow under your feet and the babbling of mountain streams. This creates a unique, serene atmosphere that sets Saas-Fee apart from many other ski resorts. For Jules De Sloover, this peaceful environment is the perfect place to concentrate and hone 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 that the village has to offer.
Benefits 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 your first descents without having to wait long for winter.
- It is an excellent way to prepare for the approaching winter season, so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.
- September is the low season; the summer holidays are over, and the autumn holidays have yet to begin. As a result, 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 colours in the valleys and winter conditions on the peaks.
Disadvantages of skiing in September
- Although September can often offer wintery conditions, weather conditions are less predictable than in the heart of winter.
- It can already feel like winter, but it can also be very mild with little to no snow.
- In addition, the snow conditions are different than in the winter months. In the morning the slopes are often hard, but by the afternoon they can become slushy due to the warmer temperatures.
- This means you have to get up early to enjoy the best conditions.
- In addition, the slopes are open for a shorter period of time and the range 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. With ski resorts such as Saas-Fee, Zermatt and Hintertux already opening their slopes, there’s no reason to wait. And who knows, you might even bump into Jules De Sloover as he prepares for his next big win.
