
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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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.
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 5, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Steinplatte-Winklmoosalm typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Day passes start from €30, with peak rates up to €60.
Full day lift ticket for adults
Full day lift ticket for youth
Full day lift ticket for children
More Steinplatte-Winklmoosalm intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.