Dare we hope that skiing is back on the agenda this autumn? It seems that way. As things stand, there is a reasonable chance that early season skiing is back for many parts of the Alps, with many resorts reopening for autumn skiing. Add in the fact that the need for extended quarantine is being reduced, and double vaccinated travellers are enjoying less convoluted transition between countries and it seems that many people can be more than a little confident of having a chance to hit the slopes this season. It's worth noting that many areas of the Alps have already enjoyed an August snowfall too - all things considered, autumn skiing seems like a chance that’s too good to miss.
As well as the obvious joy of being back on the slopes after an extended absence, there are other things to relish about early season skiing. Many areas offer special discounts on passes and the like, there are fewer crowds, and there is that delicious sense of anticipation - that hope that this is the first trip of many. Whilst this is something few of us will take for granted again, the magic of the start of ski season in the Alps is hard to beat. Owning your own property makes it easier to take advantage of favourable conditions and get back on the slopes too, so it’s worth signing up to our property alert system so you can be sure you’ll find the perfect space for an alpine getaway.
Where to go for an alpine autumn
Thanks to glaciers like Hintertux and Soldem, Austria enjoys superb opportunities for autumn skiing and - Planet Ski lists five resorts on the Tirol due to be open by the end of September or early October.
- Hintertux Glacier: open all year round.
- Pitztal Glacier: 25th September 2021 – 8th May 2022
- Stubai Glacier: mid-September 2021 – mid-June 2022
- Kaunertal Glacier: 25th September 2021 – 12th June 2022
- Sölden: 10th September – 8th May 2022
- Kaprun: 8th October 2021 - 24th July 2022
Ski property in Austria
Last year saw a shift away from the traditional catered chalet ski holiday, with more and more people choosing the flexibility and peace of mind of their own apartment. This is great news for investors, who can be confident in the popularity of ski accommodation across the rental market. It also means that if you’re thinking of making a base in the mountains then it might be time to get your skates (or indeed skis) on.
We have a great range of homes to buy across Austria, with several that are perfectly placed to take advantage of the glacier skiing that signals the start of the season in the European Alps. Something like these brand new apartments in Viehhofen offer a great opportunity to anyone looking for a ski pad that combines high appeal to the rental market with maximum opportunity for early season skiing - not least because of the new zellamseeXpress in Viehhofen that will whisk you uphill to the Schmittenhöhe in no time.
If you’re looking for a project with bags of flexibility then this apartment house in Solden could be just the thing. With potential to split into three separate apartments it’s ideal for anyone looking for a work-live opportunity or for those who would like the benefits of rental income alongside the convenience of their own apartment to stay in when taking advantage of the superb skiing offered by the Otztal valley.
We couldn’t let a round up of Austrian properties go without a mention of this unique opportunity. While Kitzbuhel opens slightly later in the autumn, we think owning this superb chalet in Hollersbach is worth the wait to start your ski season. As well as beautifully appointed interiors, spectacular mountain views and a host of comforts for the modern mountain lover, this chalet enjoys rare second home status - a real gem in this beautiful alpine location.
Where else can I ski in the next few weeks?
Elsewhere, we expect that Tignes and Les 2 Alpes in Val d’Isere will be open by mid October. We’ve some stunning properties here, such as this stunning family chalet in Val d’Isere or this beautiful lake view apartment in Tignes. Over in Italy Val Senales is expected to open early October, and of course if you’re lucky enough to own something like this exceptional apartment in Zermatt, you’ll already know that this is a true year round ski destination.
What about travel restrictions for Autumn skiing?
Travel restrictions are changing all the time. At the moment the traffic light system and complex PCR testing to allow re-entry seems to be drawing to a close for UK travellers. At the moment travellers need to show proof of past infection or proof of double vaccination or a negative test result (either a PCR test within 72 hours or antigen test within the last 48 hours) to be allowed entry to many countries.
Most countries also require a passenger locator form to allow for effective tracing should close proximity to an infected person be identified.
Whilst these all add to an ever growing list of things to do before any travel excursion, they are proving to be effective in allowing the mountains to reopen, and giving us a chance to enjoy that longed for mountain air.
What about viewing trips?
Viewings are certainly possible for many areas, plus more and more agencies are offering good quality online viewings so if you're not quite ready to take a trip overseas,you can still explore the options available to you, so you’re ready to hit the slopes when travelling feels right for you.
As a property portal SnowOnly has access to a huge range of property all over the world and if you’re keen to get a place where the ski season starts in early autumn, then you can sign up to our property alerts, so you know you’ll see the very best of what’s available as soon as it reaches the market.
Mar 25, 2024
