The first snowflakes of the 2025/26 season close the Alpine passes and open the ski resorts
Winter peeks out over the Swiss Alps: alpine roads go into ‘hibernation’ and the first ski lifts open, with ticket prices slightly up and tourists already arriving.
Winter 2025/26 has made a triumphant entrance over the Swiss Alps, marking a record-breaking debut thanks to the first significant snowfalls as early as the end of September. Heavy flakes — up to 25 cm even at relatively low altitudes, around 1,000–1,400 meters — have forced the early closure of several Alpine passes for safety reasons, but have also created ideal conditions for the early opening of some ski resorts. This scenario promises a dynamic season, with a focus on snow farming and artificial snowmaking to ensure open slopes as early as November. According to forecasts, the snow at higher elevations could extend the season well into late spring, supporting moderate tourism growth.
Alpine passes in “hibernation”: early closures due to snow and ice
The first snowfalls have lowered the “snow line” on the northern side of the Alps to between 1,000 and 1,200 meters, making several iconic passes impassable due to ice, avalanches, and adverse weather conditions. Many of these historic routes — vital for summer and tourist traffic — are now entering winter closure, with reopenings expected only between May and June 2026, depending on conditions. Among the passes currently closed or in the process of closing are:
| Pass | Altitude (m) | Approximate Closure Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furka Pass | 2,429 | Late October 2025 | Closed due to snow; reopening estimated late May 2026. |
| Grimsel Pass | 2,164 | Late October 2025 | Open up to Handegg on the Bernese side; high avalanche risk. |
| Nufenen Pass | 2,478 | Early November 2025 | Second highest pass in Switzerland; full closure until June. |
| Susten Pass | 2,234 | Late October 2025 | Open up to Obermaad; known for granite landscapes and hydroelectric dams. |
| Klausen Pass | 1,948 | 31 October 2025 | Standard winter closure until May. |
| San Bernardino Pass | 2,065 | Early November 2025 | Impact on traffic between Graubünden and Ticino. |
| San Gottardo Pass | 2,108 | 7 November 2025 | Official closure by FEDRO for safety; the Schöllenen Gorge path also closed. |
| Great St Bernard Pass | 2,469 | 20 October 2025 | Early closure; border with Italy. |
Towards the opening of ski lifts: first resorts operational
Despite the blocked Alpine roads, ski resorts are taking advantage of early snowfalls to kick off the season ahead of schedule. High-altitude and glacier resorts, like those listed below, benefit from natural accumulations and snow cannons to open slopes already now. Here is an updated calendar of openings (subject to change due to weather):
Early / ongoing openings (November 2025):
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Glacier 3000: 8 November 2025 (glacial, ideal for freeride).
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Davos Klosters: Open (over 300 km of connected slopes).
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Diavolezza – Pontresina: Weekends only (high altitude, unique view of Piz Bernina).
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Saas Fee: Open (all-year glacier skiing, family-friendly).
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Verbier: Weekends only (part of the 4 Vallées, with Epic Pass expansion).
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Zermatt: Open (linked to Cervinia, over 360 km of slopes).
Scheduled openings in November 2025:
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Nendaz / Thyon 2000: 15 November 2025 (4 Vallées, family discounts).
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Arosa Lenzerheide: 22 November 2025 (200 km of slopes, advanced snowparks).
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Corvatsch – Sils – Silvaplana: 22 November 2025 (Engadin, Corvatsch glacier).
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Engadin St. Moritz: 22 November 2025 (luxury and cross-country).
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Skiarena Andermatt-Sedrun: 22 November 2025 (new cable cars, Gemsstock freeride).
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Laax: 24 November 2025 (freestyle hub, 235 km of slopes).
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Samnaun (Silvretta Arena): 27 November 2025 (duty-free, connected to Ischgl).
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Chäserrugg – Toggenburg: 29 November 2025 (families and beginners).
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Crans Montana: 29 November 2025 (World Cup venue, high altitude).
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Grindelwald – Wengen (Jungfrau Region): 29 November 2025 (Eiger Express, iconic).
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Grüsch-Danusa: 29 November 2025 (local, budget-friendly).
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Lenk: 29 November 2025 (Adelboden-Lenk area).
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Mythenregion: 29 November 2025 (near Lucerne).
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St. Moritz – Corviglia: 29 November 2025 (glamour and ice).
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Vercorin: 29 November 2025 (pure off-piste).
Winter emotions in the best swiss ski resorts
Scheduled openings in December 2025:
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Thyon 2000: 5 December 2025 (connected to Veysonnaz, family-oriented).
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Adelboden: 6 December 2025 (World Cup slalom, 210 km of slopes).
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Aletsch Arena: 6 December 2025 (UNESCO site, Riederalp-Bettmeralp-Fiescheralp).
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Amden: 6 December 2025 (local, views over Lake Walen).
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San Bernardino Ski Resort: 6 December 2025 (Ticino, beginners and snowboarders).
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Brunni – Alpthal: 6 December 2025 (Schwyz, easy access from Zurich).
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Bugnenets – Savagnieres: 6 December 2025 (Neuchâtel, cross-country focus).
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Cari: 6 December 2025 (Valais, small but scenic).
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Chur: 6 December 2025 (Graubünden, urban ski area).
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Dallenwil – Wirzweli: 6 December 2025 (Nidwalden, family runs).
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Ebenalp – Appenzellerland: 6 December 2025 (Appenzell, hiking + ski).
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Frutigen: 6 December 2025 (Bernese Oberland, freeride).
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Grimentz-Zinal: 6 December 2025 (Val d’Anniviers, authentic village).
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La Fouly – Val Ferret: 6 December 2025 (Valais, quiet and natural).
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Leysin – Les Mosses – La Lécherette: 6 December 2025 (Vaud, family and Nordic skiing).
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Pizol – Heidiland: 6 December 2025 (St. Gallen, 58 km of slopes).
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Rothenthurm: 6 December 2025 (Schwyz, beginner-friendly).
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Sattel – Hochstuckli: 6 December 2025 (Zug, indoor snow dome nearby).
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Savognin: 6 December 2025 (Graubünden, eco-friendly).
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Splügen: 6 December 2025 (Tamins, cross-border vibes).
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Veysonnaz: 6 December 2025 (4 Vallées, advanced terrain).
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Wildhaus – Toggenburg: 6 December 2025 (St. Gallen, Chäserrugg extension).
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Hoch-Ybrig: 7 December 2025 (Lucerne, 55 km of slopes, lake access).
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Bivio: 12 December 2025 (Graubünden, off-piste heaven).
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La Tzoumaz – Savoleyres: 12 December 2025 (4 Vallées, budget-friendly).
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Aeschi: 13 December 2025 (Bernese Oberland, sunny slopes).
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Airolo: 13 December 2025 (Ticino, Gotthard area).
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Anzère: 13 December 2025 (Valais, quiet and scenic).
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Flumserberg: 13 December 2025 (St. Gallen, panoramic 64 km of slopes).
For summer 2026, Zermatt and Saas-Fee will maintain glacier skiing from July.
2025/26 Ski Pass Details: slight increases but smart offers
Ski pass prices reflect Swiss premium quality, with increases of 2–5% compared to 2024/25 due to inflation and infrastructure investments. Prices vary by resort, duration, and age; discounts up to 60% are available for children and youth. Buying in advance (until November) is worth it, saving up to 20%. Examples (CHF, VAT included; from resort websites):
| Ski Pass Type | Adult Price (examples) | Notes / Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Daily (medium resorts) | 55–60 (local); 79–83 (major, e.g., Saas-Fee, Samnaun) | Free for children in some resorts (e.g., Jungfrau under 6). |
| Weekly (6–7 days) | 350–370 (Davos, Zermatt) | 30–50% off for under 25; family packs available. |
| Seasonal (single resort) | 800–1,100+ (Verbier, Engelberg) | Epic Pass: 1,051 USD for multi-resort (new 4 Vallées expansion). |
| Multi-Resort (Magic Pass) | ~400 (90+ areas, incl. France/Italy) | Unlimited skiing, ideal for explorers. |
| Central Switzerland Snow Pass | 1,130 (14 areas, incl. Titlis) | Plus version (winter + summer) 20% off Intersport rentals. |
| Portes du Soleil (Switzerland) | 649 (seasonal); 859 (annual) | Extra vouchers for 4 Vallées. |
Season forecasts: favorable weather and moderate tourism growth
Experts paint an optimistic picture for 2025/26, with early snowfalls mitigating the risk of “lean” seasons like 2024. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasts 18.6 million winter overnight stays (+0.5% vs. 2024/25), driven by tourists from the USA (+10–15%) and Southeast Asia (+50% post-pandemic), despite a strong franc and geopolitical tensions. Domestic stays remain stable; European tourists (Germany, France) slightly decline but are offset by long-haul visitors.
Glacier resorts (Zermatt, Saas-Fee) guarantee 100% operations until April; total annual overnight stays are expected to reach 21 million. In summary, a lively season for skiers: plan with apps like Snowplow or resort websites for live updates. Switzerland remains a premium destination, emphasizing sustainability and innovation (new cable cars in Andermatt). Ready for the first runs?
