 Poster: A snowHead
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Wondering if there's anywhere worth going to ski during the autumn half term 28th October to 5th November? I imagine somewhere high altitude with conditions being unreliable so early?
Cheers in advance.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| menatarms wrote: |
Wondering if there's anywhere worth going to ski during the autumn half term 28th October to 5th November? I imagine somewhere high altitude with conditions being unreliable so early?
Cheers in advance. |
Austria would be my recommendation, with a twin centre trip to Hintertux and Stubai glaciers.
Fly to Munich then hire a car. It's a very pleasant drive. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Laandgraf in the Netherlands or Peer in Belgium
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@menatarms, Assuming you're asking because you have kids, save your money and book them onto one of the UK Fridge Freestyle weeks that usually run in half-terms and then go large in the proper ski season.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We normally go to Pitztal but that's boardercross training. Solden is usually up an running by then but can be limited and a bit sketchy.
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@menatarms, seems very early in the year for this question, many areas still open for a few weeks yet. I would concur with the fly to Munich (or Innsbruck or Salzburg) and hiring a car suggestion. If there are good pre season conditions then there is a reasonable choice of glacier areas. If it is warm & sunny, as it has been in recent years, then bring hiking boots and walk, the mountains can be very beautiful at that time.
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Even glacier conditions can be hit and miss that time of year, but you could get lucky. The problem is that if they are not great, there won't be a lot else to do – it's very much off-season, and the bike parks, summer huts, outdoor swimming areas etc. will largely be shut.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks for all the replies!
| Bergmeister wrote: |
| menatarms wrote: |
Wondering if there's anywhere worth going to ski during the autumn half term 28th October to 5th November? I imagine somewhere high altitude with conditions being unreliable so early?
Cheers in advance. |
Austria would be my recommendation, with a twin centre trip to Hintertux and Stubai glaciers.
Fly to Munich then hire a car. It's a very pleasant drive. |
This sounds like a great trip! Are conditions reliable there at that time of year?
This sounds very cool, we're both very interested in watching ski racing too. Just listening to the podcast, sounds very interesting a good way to get in that 2nd ski holiday, the worry is though if conditions are like last year it could be a bit of a grim week.
| Quote: |
RedandWhiteFlachau
PostPosted: Wed 12-04-23 14:35 Post subject:
@menatarms, Assuming you're asking because you have kids, save your money and book them onto one of the UK Fridge Freestyle weeks that usually run in half-terms and then go large in the proper ski season. |
Not kids but my ski buddy is a teacher.
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menatarms,
We haven't been for 8 years at that time of the year - as Mrs B is no longer a teacher - but over the years we must have done at least 15 autumn ski trips and never had a bad one!
Highly recommended!
The villages near the glaciers are beautiful and B&B accommodation was always plentiful and reasonably priced. I'm sure you'd love the experience.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@menatarms, solden ski race is going to be November instead of October this year
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@menatarms, I've been to Hintertux in November several times and the conditions have generally been quite good. Although there is accommodation at Hintertux itself the base area is very small with just a few hotels, I've always stayed a few miles further down the valley at the village of Lanersbach, there's a free skibus service runs from there to and from Hintertux itself. I've stayed both at the hotel Jäger on half board (very good food), and more recently at a good value B&B the Alpenrose. There are several places to eat out in the evening nearby.
Getting there it's best to fly into Munich and then either rent a car from the airport or use Four Seasons Travel who provide a good value door to door transfer service.
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Glacier conditions can be pretty decent from early October. This was Hintertux around the 7th/8th of the month last year
And the beautiful autumn colours are a bonus at that time of year.
As @Bergmeister has alluded to, Hintertux and Stubai would definitely be a good shout for late October skiing in anything like a normal year. Two different glaciers would make for a great trip and provide a bit of variety, given that areas can be a bit limited at that time.
If not the above combo, then the following would fit the bill:
- Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun) and Hintertux. Kaprun is an easy journey if flying to Salzburg (eg Ryanair).
- Hintertux and Sölden.
- Hintertux and Pitztal.
- Pitztal and Sölden.
Autumn and summer glacier ski trips might have their detractors, but I'm a big fan and would urge anyone who fancies it to give it a try. Chances are you'll love it @menatarms.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| menatarms wrote: |
| probably a stupid question but do all these areas have chairlifts and/or gondolas or are they more for ski touring? |
I can only speak for Hintertux as that's the only one of these places I've been.
Not 100% sure what will be open in October/November, but it's 3 separate gondola's to get up to the top of the glacier. From there, there's some t-bars, a couple of chairs, or loop the top gondola. Very much like any other ski resort, not touring.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @menatarms, solden ski race is going to be November instead of October this year |
No surprise. The WC races there last autumn were held in record high temperatures.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@menatarms, the FIS calendar isn't published yet but I saw elsewhere it was going to be november
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| swskier wrote: |
| menatarms wrote: |
| probably a stupid question but do all these areas have chairlifts and/or gondolas or are they more for ski touring? |
I can only speak for Hintertux as that's the only one of these places I've been.
Not 100% sure what will be open in October/November, but it's 3 separate gondola's to get up to the top of the glacier. From there, there's some t-bars, a couple of chairs, or loop the top gondola. Very much like any other ski resort, not touring. |
awesome! already hoping this can be an annual trip and we can explore around.
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holidayloverxx
PostPosted: Wed 12-04-23 18:27 Post subject:
@menatarms, the FIS calendar isn't published yet but I saw elsewhere it was going to be november |
Ah I see. Found a provisional schedule, it says the final one will be published at the end of May: https://skiproguru.com/fis-alpine-world-cup-calendar-2023-2024/
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@menatarms, with respect to ski carriage fares. Austrian, Swiss and Lufthansa let you take ski bags in addition to your hold luggage for free (Lufthansa you need to phone to add not sure latest for other two), as long as you buy a ticket that includes hold baggage.
BA allows you to take a ski bag upto 190cm instead of your hold bag.
Just in case thst helps with options
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| NickyJ wrote: |
@menatarms, with respect to ski carriage fares. Austrian, Swiss and Lufthansa let you take ski bags in addition to your hold luggage for free (Lufthansa you need to phone to add not sure latest for other two), as long as you buy a ticket that includes hold baggage.
BA allows you to take a ski bag upto 190cm instead of your hold bag.
Just in case thst helps with options |
Cheers that's actually really helpful. Lufthansa fly to Innsbruck so no ski carriage is nice (although they charge for check in luggage so I'm not sure it's much difference...). I was looking at ski bags just now actually so that 190 is good to keep in mind, a lot are longer than that...
I'm noticing car rental in austria is much cheaper than I assumed it would be, so maybe flying to Innsbruck is the better option, a little more expensive overall, but potentially an extra day's skiing.
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@menatarms, I think you need to be flexible, much will depend on the weather. Autumn often brings beautiful sunny weather but of course you might get the week when it is windy and wet! It is very much off season so car hire & accommodation will be cheap (though many places will be closed, note 1st November is a fairly serious public holiday, many Gasthofs etc will close for the day). The concept of trying two areas is a good one as all of them are fairly small, in practical terms that is really Hintertux & Kaprun plus maybe Stubai. The others are at the ends of long valleys which make for slow journeys between them (the Kaunertal is a long way from anywhere). Mountain walking can be great at that time (see the image above) misty mornings, crisp clear blue skies without the heat (and thunderstorms) of summer. Mountain bikes too.
I would pass on the driving from Amsterdam thing, the novelty of being able to drive at 100 mph on the Autobahns soon wears off and also bear in mind that you should have winter tyres fitted, certainly for Austria. Flights into Innsbruck (usually via Frankfurt or Vienna) should be reasonably cheap and as has been pointed out the Lufthansa group are pretty good with ski carriage if that is a concern. This trip will not be like a "proper" ski holiday it would be an autumn mountain holiday with some skiing thrown in (if you are lucky). Conditions can be very variable you might find boilerplate ice but you might get fresh powder too. Also be aware that the various ski teams use the glaciers for training so parts of the area might be reserved for their use.
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| munich_irish wrote: |
@menatarms, I think you need to be flexible, much will depend on the weather. Autumn often brings beautiful sunny weather but of course you might get the week when it is windy and wet! It is very much off season so car hire & accommodation will be cheap (though many places will be closed, note 1st November is a fairly serious public holiday, many Gasthofs etc will close for the day). The concept of trying two areas is a good one as all of them are fairly small, in practical terms that is really Hintertux & Kaprun plus maybe Stubai. The others are at the ends of long valleys which make for slow journeys between them (the Kaunertal is a long way from anywhere). Mountain walking can be great at that time (see the image above) misty mornings, crisp clear blue skies without the heat (and thunderstorms) of summer. Mountain bikes too.
I would pass on the driving from Amsterdam thing, the novelty of being able to drive at 100 mph on the Autobahns soon wears off and also bear in mind that you should have winter tyres fitted, certainly for Austria. Flights into Innsbruck (usually via Frankfurt or Vienna) should be reasonably cheap and as has been pointed out the Lufthansa group are pretty good with ski carriage if that is a concern. This trip will not be like a "proper" ski holiday it would be an autumn mountain holiday with some skiing thrown in (if you are lucky). Conditions can be very variable you might find boilerplate ice but you might get fresh powder too. Also be aware that the various ski teams use the glaciers for training so parts of the area might be reserved for their use. |
Hmm I see, that's food for thought. I sort of thought Soelden with the world cup and it's very hi tech looking facilities would just turn on the snow machines tbh and make sure things are open...I'll be sure to research the other areas more too. The podcast seemed very positive about it.
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@menatarms, I would doubt that there would be much snow making at that time of year, maybe to ensure the ski racing can happen but not much more. The effort expended in water, electricity etc would not make sense in terms of the number of people who would be there. You can have a good time and a certain amount of skiing (see people's experiences above) just be aware of what is on offer.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I did Hintertux end of Oct 2022 and it was really bad experience. I didn't feel well which could be due to high altitude, it was quite foggy on 1 of 2 days and there was a very limited choice of opened slopes. My son was still a beginner so we were aiming for blue runs but there was actually nothing suitable for him so he needed to stay on a learning slope.
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| munich_irish wrote: |
| This trip will not be like a "proper" ski holiday it would be an autumn mountain holiday with some skiing thrown in (if you are lucky). Conditions can be very variable you might find boilerplate ice but you might get fresh powder too. |
This is a really really important point on managing expectations. For me Autumn skiing is about a few days high up on a glacier, lapping a limited amount of runs and building technique again after the summer. It is never going to be a proper ski holiday with kms and kms of varied runs. Understand that and you will enjoy it, but think you are going somewhere with lots of varied terrain then you might be disappointed. Doing a mountain holiday with some biking, hiking, climbing and a few days of skiing is probably more realistic. As ever though, depends on location and conditions.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And even on a good day, having got up the mountain earlier in the morning than you would normally consider, you might only have half a day's skiing. I've done some autumn skiing in Tignes when 2 out of 5 days were a write off because of weather conditions. And because of the large number of racers (to whom some good pistes are dedicated) there are competitive queues. I would only consider autumn glacier skiing as part of a coaching holiday. And when the sun comes out and the wind goes down, the views from the top are exhilarating.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Mountains are mountains and the weather can be extremely variable at any time of the year. You may even get bad weather in the winter ski season
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Sure, but there's scope for skiing lower slopes.
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You know it makes sense.
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Well the guy on the podcast sounded like he'd had great experiences skiing in october, and Soelden does have 3000m+ lifts. I think the idea that we should be flexbile though and have tempered expectations is good, thankfully this will be our 2nd ski holiday in the year so if the snow's disappointing it's not the end of the world. We're also both quite focussed on improving our technique so even if the ski area is limited I'm sure we can make the most of it (drills are fun!). It would be great if the ski pass was for a bit of a broader area mind so it would be easier to be more flexible with the other glaciers. I've never really tried mountain biking properly but would be up for having a go if there really isn't snow, or even just go for a hike. Innsbruck, Munich & Zurich are all fairly reachable too so worst case scenario we explore those (I've never been to any of them).
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@menatarms, You can have great conditions in October and the weather is often very good (the locals call it Kaiserwetter - Emperor's weather, blue skies with perfect visibility). As far as I know the passes are only for individual glaciers, there are area ski passes for the wider area eg Tirol Ski card but they are season passes not worth getting for a pre season week, you are probably better off with day passes as that allows you more flexibility.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@menatarms,
I'd wait until just before you are due to go, then check the conditions at each glacier. Also look at Tignes, Cervinia & Zermatt.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| munich_irish wrote: |
| @menatarms, You can have great conditions in October and the weather is often very good (the locals call it Kaiserwetter - Emperor's weather, blue skies with perfect visibility). As far as I know the passes are only for individual glaciers, there are area ski passes for the wider area eg Tirol Ski card but they are season passes not worth getting for a pre season week, you are probably better off with day passes as that allows you more flexibility. |
I certainly hope so! Looking at the driving distances from Soelden to the other glaciers, they are within reach (maybe not Kirpan) if we're willing to do some early mornings, just means we'll have to be quite organised. I think you may be right about getting day passes to stay flexible. They do a 5 days in 7 ski pass which seems a fairly good idea if the snow looks good close to the time.
I'm really hoping the world cup is on that 28th Oct weekend as I suspect otherwise a lot of the bars and food places will stay shut.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Thu 13-04-23 15:24; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Kenzie wrote: |
@menatarms,
I'd wait until just before you are due to go, then check the conditions at each glacier. Also look at Tignes, Cervinia & Zermatt. |
https://www.weathertoski.co.uk/our-blog/where-to-ski-in-the-alps-in-october/
I found this which seems to have some fairly good tips. Skiing Zermatt is a bit of a bucket list thing so I'd love to do it, just not sure very much will be open then. Thanks will check out Tignes too.
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@menatarms, If you do go for Hintertux, then I can recommend these apartments.
http://www.zur-sonne.at/
They are dated, and the kitchens are small, but, they're a reasonable price, and they're a decent size.
As has been mentioned, there's not a lot going on in Hintertux, so to have cooking facilities might be useful!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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just not sure very much will be open then
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that's probably true of all the glaciers, isn't it?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| swskier wrote: |
@menatarms, If you do go for Hintertux, then I can recommend these apartments.
http://www.zur-sonne.at/
They are dated, and the kitchens are small, but, they're a reasonable price, and they're a decent size.
As has been mentioned, there's not a lot going on in Hintertux, so to have cooking facilities might be useful! |
But if M@A has a car there are a few lovely villages (with restaurants) very close to Hintertux.
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| munich_irish wrote: |
| @menatarms, This trip will not be like a "proper" ski holiday it would be an autumn mountain holiday with some skiing thrown in (if you are lucky). |
Hmmm.... Sorry to contradict but in my experience that's the opposite of what he should expect.
Your description sounds like he should expect not to ski, when the opposite is true.
I reckon he should expect to get some "proper" skiing in and would be unlucky not to do so at that time of year.
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| Bergmeister wrote: |
| But if M@A has a car there are a few lovely villages (with restaurants) very close to Hintertux. |
Doesn't mean anything will be open.
I have skied at Hintertux at May half-term several times, we had to ask a hotel in Vorderlanersbach to open for us (we were going to fill it). Everything else in the village was closed.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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A lot to consider, I think we'll hold off on booking for as long as we can so we can anticipate the weather a little. We figure even if skiing's a wash, Innsbruck and even Munich are within reach, and renting e-bikes could be good fun too.
Thanks for all the advice! Will have my fingers crossed until the autumn for some great snow conditions.
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I think we'll hold off on booking for as long as we can
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Good decision.
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FAQ
) skis and am very keen to put them to maximum use (get some of that "they'll save money in the long run" value back lol).
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