
Steinplatte Waidring stands as one of Austria's most impressive ski destinations, straddling the border between Tyrol and Salzburg. This sun-drenched resort boasts panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, offering visitors a brilliant mix of well-groomed slopes and stunning Alpine scenery. With terrain suitable for beginners through to advanced skiers, Steinplatte has earned its reputation for quality snow conditions and excellent facilities without the overwhelming crowds found at larger resorts.
Steinplatte-Winklmoosalm links Bavaria and Tyrol on a sunny plateau, with 22 runs over 42 kilometres and a vertical of 1,120 metres between 740 and 1,860 metres. It is graded evenly, 48% beginner and 48% intermediate, with just 4% advanced, so the whole area is approachable. Lifting is strong for the size, with two gondolas, three six-seat chairs, two eight-seaters, four quads and several tows. Gondolas run from both Seegatterl near Reit im Winkl and Waidring, which means the same lap can start from either side of the border.
The Winklmoosalm side is the gentler end, with broad, soft slopes that suit children and learners, while the Steinplatte side adds longer runs and more height. Kammerkör and Möseralm are the usual easy blues for a first morning, and a valley run back towards Seegatterl gives a proper finish to the day. This is a day-tripper mountain within easy reach of Munich, best for families, relaxed intermediates and anyone wanting big-feeling terrain without steep pitches. Experts will run out of challenge quickly, as there is very little steep piste.
The ski season at Steinplatte Waidring typically runs from early December through to mid-April, with reliable snow coverage throughout this period. January and February deliver the most consistent powder conditions, while March offers a brilliant combination of sunshine and well-preserved snow thanks to the resort's favourable north-facing aspects. The area receives an average annual snowfall of 5m, supplemented by comprehensive snowmaking capabilities that ensure quality skiing even during less snowy periods.
Located just 90km from Salzburg and 120km from Munich, Steinplatte Waidring offers excellent accessibility for international visitors. The resort sits in the SkiWelt region, directly connected to the charming village of Waidring with its authentic Tyrolean character. This strategic position allows visitors to explore nearby attractions including the stunning Pillersee Valley and the medieval town of Kitzbühel, just a 30-minute drive away. The resort's proximity to the German border also makes it a popular day-trip destination for Bavarian skiers.
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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.

Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.

The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.

Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.

Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.

Dolomiti Superski is spending around €100 million across its 12 areas before winter. Kronplatz gets a new 10-passenger gondola with a middle station, 3 Zinnen gets Helmissimo, and Val di Fassa swaps a chairlift for a gondola above Col Valvacin. New water-storage basins and upgraded snowmaking follow, and construction has started on the San Martino to Passo Rolle link. A peak adult day pass is €89.

Brian Head is targeting 6 November, though last year it aimed for 7 November and did not open until the 25th. Park City, Alta and Solitude are pencilled in for 20 November, Snowbird and Snowbasin for 27 November, and Deer Valley for 5 December. Eagle Point will stay closed after the Cottonwood Fire. A super El Niño is forecast, but the big snow is not expected until January.

Hintertux became Austria's second glacier to open for 2026-27 on Friday 2 October, after the Pitztal Glacier. Twelve kilometres of piste are running around the Olperer and Gefrorene Wand, served by one gondola and two drag lifts, with the Betterpark also open. Lifts officially run 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, but skiing stops at 2 pm for now.
The modern lift network at Steinplatte Waidring efficiently serves the mountain's 42km of skiable terrain. Six chairlifts and four surface lifts transport skiers quickly across the resort, minimising queue times even during peak periods. The Steinplatte Express, a high-speed six-seater chairlift, whisks visitors from the base to the summit in under seven minutes, providing access to a fantastic variety of runs. The lift system covers a vertical drop of 860m, ensuring skiers of all abilities can access suitable terrain.
More Steinplatte-Winklmoosalm intelligence: trail map, snow report, webcams, resort overview.