Nov. 25, 2025
It’s dumping snow across the Alps, the glacier ski areas are in full swing, and many high-altitude, non-glacier ski areas are open. Late November skiing conditions are fantastic, with big terrain open in the glacier skiing areas and ski areas such as Sölden and Obergurgl hosting FIS races and the associated hospitality.
It is easy to feel a disconnect with skiing for those residing outside the Alps – Christmas and New Year are often the reference points for the start of the season. Yet from October onwards, the Alps offer great options for corporate ski trips. Think welcoming hotels offering excellent value, less crowded slopes, season-opening parties and a break from the trudge of Autumn. Both November and December are great times to host a company Christmas Party. Forget the fight for venues and dates in London or Dublin – Christmas Parties in the Alps come with atmosphere and relevance.
40cm of snow fell overnight last Friday on the Austrian glaciers, and we swung by the Stubai Glacier, 40 minutes south of Innsbruck, for some blue skies and fresh lines on Saturday - see pictures. Minus 15 °C was moderated by the beaming sun, and the day was a good one. Skiing was possible across the entire glacial ski area. Only the valley runs to 1750m were closed, although many ventured onto the stunning terrain of the Wilde Grub’n – a 10km route that offers a vertical of some 1500m. It’s a classic route in the southern Austrian Alps. Obergurgl was meanwhile hosting FIS races, and the resort was packed with revellers. The weather played ball as well – fresh snow and blue skies.
The Advent markets are in full swing across the Alps, from the charm of Lech am Arlberg Advent Market to the bustle and vibrancy of central Innsbruck. One of the most atmospheric and social meeting places in winter, Christmas Markets offer stunning locations and wonderful, informal settings for groups to mingle. Non-skiers are welcome!
We are on the cusp of the big beasts opening with the Arlberg and Les 3 Vallées set to open in a little over a week. Persistent snow is forecast in the coming days. It might not feel like it from the city streets of northern Europe, but it's time for teams to hit the snow.
