
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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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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Scroll for the full outlook · Open-Meteo
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Live snow from the resort feed; forecast from Open-Meteo, via Supabase.
Base depth, summit depth, and recent snowfall are the core numbers to watch. At Wendelstein, summit conditions (1723m) can differ noticeably from the base, so we break both out separately rather than showing a single average.
Wind and temperature swings matter as much as fresh snowfall. Cold, calm conditions hold snow quality well, while wind-loading or a warm-up can change things quickly — especially given the elevation spread between Wendelstein's base and summit.
Wendelstein snow data is collected through a combination of on-mountain reports and weather forecasting services, giving you both official resort updates and independent forecast data in one place. The mountain is served by 3 lifts, including an aerial tram.
The biggest swings usually happen right after a storm. Check Wendelstein's report in the morning for the freshest numbers, and again in the afternoon as conditions evolve.