
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee delivers one of Bavaria's most accessible and diverse skiing experiences, with 35km of varied terrain surrounding a beautiful Alpine lake. This historic resort combines excellent family-friendly slopes with challenging steeps, all set against spectacular mountain backdrops. Despite being just 60km from Munich, Spitzingsee maintains authentic Alpine character and reliable snow conditions throughout winter, making it perfect for everything from quick day trips to extended mountain holidays.
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee is a small but steeper-than-average Bavarian ski area south of Munich, with nine runs over 14.2 kilometres from 980 to 1,580 metres, a vertical of 600 metres. The grading leans firmly towards harder terrain than most German hills: 12% beginner, 58% intermediate and 30% advanced. Two quad chairs, a double chair and five T-bars connect the slopes, and the area can be entered from either side of the ridge, from Spitzingsee or from Rottach-Egern above Lake Tegernsee, which gives it two quite different starting points for a day on the snow.
Stümpfling is the main slope for relaxed cruising, and the lower Firstalm area has a funslope with small kickers and boxes. For harder skiing, the Roßkopf double chair leads to the short, steep Roßkopf descent and the long black Grünsee run, the two pistes that give the area its edge. With only nine runs, repeat laps are part of the deal, so it works best as a day out for confident intermediates and advanced skiers wanting steeper groomers close to Munich. Beginners are better served on the gentler slopes nearby.
The ski season at Spitzingsee typically extends from December through March, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The resort benefits from its position in one of Bavaria's snowiest regions, receiving substantial natural snowfall supplemented by extensive snowmaking coverage. The predominantly north-facing slopes maintain excellent snow quality throughout the season, often delivering good skiing conditions when lower regions struggle. The microclimate created by Spitzingsee lake frequently enhances snowfall patterns during winter storms.
Situated in Upper Bavaria approximately 60km south of Munich, Spitzingsee-Tegernsee offers exceptional accessibility while maintaining an authentic Alpine atmosphere. The resort surrounds the picturesque Spitzingsee lake at 1,084m, with stunning mountain scenery creating a dramatic backdrop. This convenient location makes it extremely popular for day trips and weekend escapes from Munich. The beautiful Tegernsee valley below provides additional accommodation options in historic lakeside towns known for their traditional Bavarian architecture and excellent dining options.
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Europe’s ski season is open, technically. After a record-warm summer, glaciers in Austria, Switzerland and Italy are running a few pistes apiece, Sölden, Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn started late, Titlis has pushed back to 24 October, and Zermatt reopens a few lifts on 14 October after more than two months shut. Finland’s Levi and Ruka are skiing on stored snow. Here is what is open, and what you actually get at each.

Zermatt is having another crack at a World Cup downhill, and this time nobody has to cross a border. Around 13 million Swiss francs is going into rebuilding the Gornergrat piste, including a jump fed by a roughly 300-metre in-run across the roof of the Gornergrat Railway gallery, with the Matterhorn lined up behind it for the TV cameras. First men’s race is pencilled in for March 2028, pending FIS homologation.

Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation is paying off early: Mt. Rose has started making snow for 2026-27 after the first flurries and a cold snap. The Nevada resort is backing it with nearly US$2 million in upgrades, including a replacement snowmaking main line, a new PistenBully groomer and restraint bars on every lift. Opening day is yet to be confirmed, though Heavenly and Northstar are already eyeing 20 November.

Utah is still building flat out. For 2026-27, Powder Mountain opens a steep new Skytrac chair into more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain, Deer Valley adds 200 acres on Hail Peak, Sundance gets a new quad and Park City adds a gondola from its new parking structure. Snowmaking is expanding almost everywhere, Eagle Point stays closed after the Cottonwood Fire, and the 2034 Games are setting the pace. Here’s what’s new, resort by resort.

Mt Hutt is getting busier, and its base lodge is about to catch up. NZ$12 million goes into a heated sun deck roughly three times the current size (430 m² to 1,300 m²), plus a new toilet block, heated steps down to snow level, extra storage and a new food and beverage outlet. Building starts after the 2026 season, with everything due for winter 2027.

Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.

Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.

Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
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