
Wendelstein delivers a unique Bavarian skiing experience on one of the region's most distinctive mountains, with 6km of varied terrain reaching 1,840m. This historic mountain features spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across the Bavarian Alps and into Austria. The manageable size makes Wendelstein perfect for families and casual skiers seeking authentic Alpine experiences without overwhelming terrain, while the impressive scenery and unique cogwheel railway access create unforgettable mountain memories.
Wendelstein is unusual among German ski areas: only six runs over 11.2 kilometres, but a vertical of 932 metres from 791 to 1,723 metres. There is no beginner terrain at all, with 63% intermediate and 37% advanced. A cable car from the Bayrischzell side carries skiers to the upper mountain, supplemented by two T-bars, and that single artery defines the day. It is a small, serious ski area for those who want a proper descent rather than a lot of choice, with the Bavarian foothills visible across the valley.
The skiing here is all red and black, mostly long fall-line descents back down towards the valley, and conditions matter more than at gentler hills. The long runs deliver a real workout for the legs, particularly on firm snow, and the open upper slopes give a high-mountain feel unusual so close to Munich. This is not a place for beginners or children learning to turn. Wendelstein suits solid intermediates and advanced skiers who enjoy sustained pitches over variety, and who are happy to check conditions before heading up the cable car.
Wendelstein typically operates from December through March, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The resort benefits from its elevated position and distinctive cone-shaped peak, which captures snow effectively during winter storms. The predominantly north-facing slopes maintain good snow quality throughout the season, preserving conditions after snowfall. The relatively quiet atmosphere makes it particularly appealing during weekends when larger resorts face overcrowding.
Located in Upper Bavaria approximately 70km from Munich and 40km from Rosenheim, Wendelstein offers exceptional accessibility while maintaining an authentic Alpine atmosphere. The resort sits between the Inntal and Leitzachtal valleys, creating a dramatic landmark visible from throughout the region. This convenient location makes it extremely popular for day trips, with excellent public transport connections via the historic cogwheel railway from Brannenburg. The surrounding region offers additional winter activities and charming Bavarian villages known for their traditional architecture and excellent Alpine cuisine.
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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.

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.
The lift system at Wendelstein features 5 installations efficiently serving the mountain's varied terrain. The network includes surface lifts that maintain steady uphill capacity without extensive queues. What truly sets Wendelstein apart is the historic cogwheel railway and cable car that transport visitors from the valley to the summit area at 1,840m, offering spectacular views throughout the journey. This unique dual access system operates year-round, making Wendelstein accessible even to non-skiers.
More Wendelstein intelligence: trail map, snow report, webcams, resort overview.