Where to Ski in November

The main advantage of skiing in November is the amount of snow on the slopes by this time of year. This means that you won’t need to be so high up in the mountains to enjoy fresh powder and small crowds. Hitting the slopes before the end of the year can be a great idea, which is why we’ve put together for you our favourite picks for luxury skiing in November.

Skiing in November in Europe

Skiing in Europe becomes packed and busy the later it is in the ski season. The Alps are especially crowded from Christmas and New Year’s through to the hectic February half-term holidays. Whether it’s a family ski holiday, a couple’s getaway, or an escape to the slopes for some serious skiing, November skiing in Europe offers better value for money and a more relaxing trip. 

Our top picks for the best places to go skiing in November in Europe are Austria, Italy, and France.    

Ski in Austria in November

Austrian ski resorts tend to open earlier in the year, early enough for autumnal beer festivals and full-on après partying. Expect excellent November skiing in the ski areas with glaciers and high altitudes, such as Obergurgl, St. Anton, and Kitzbuhel. You can expect these ski resorts to offer reliably snow-covered pistes, luxurious accommodation options, and a lively atmosphere.

St. Anton

Elevation: 1,304 m
Average monthly snowfall in November: 15 cm

This attractive Austrian ski resort is steeped in mountain tradition and alpine charm while holding a reputation as one of the top party towns in the country. You can expect St. Anton to open for the season in late November, but the resort may open earlier or later depending on the snowfall and weather. St Anton is not a resort to miss, renowned for its historical contributions to the alpine sport - including the downhill skiing technique. Find the best snow in St Anton in the north-facing slopes on the Rendl side and on Albona, a shady run above Stuben.  

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Staying at the ski-in ski-out Villa Villekulla chalet, keeping you close to the slopes while enjoying luxury amenities such as a sauna, two exterior hot baths, an open fireplace and more. 

Explore our collection of luxury chalets available in St.Anton here.

Kitzbuhel

Elevation: 762 m
Average monthly snowfall in November: 25 cm

Best for beginners and intermediates, Kitzbuhel offers 168 km of pistes and seven distinct ski areas that are all covered with one lift pass. November skiers can expect an average snow depth of 37 cm at the top of the ski area and 6 cm towards the bottom, allowing you to take full advantage of the pristine, interconnected pistes. Kitzbuhel is a medieval town, famous for its unique historical charm and stunning architecture along the banks of the Kitzbuhler Ache River. In this picturesque town, you can enjoy some of the best gourmet restaurants, luxury boutiques, and aprés ski in the world.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Taking a day to fully enjoy and explore the old town of Kitzbuehel, complete with cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs, artisan shops and boutiques and more.

Ski in Italy in November

Expect some of the top Italian ski resorts to open as early as the end of October, with autumn storms covering northern Italy in fresh layers of snow. This, combined with Italy’s high Alpine slopes, leads to some of the most extensive early-season skiing available in Europe. Our top picks for the best Italian ski resorts to visit in November are Cervinia, Alpe di Siusi and Cortina. These offer a wide choice of pistes and are a perfect winter sports destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Alpe di Siusi

Elevation: 1,600 m - 2,958 m
Average monthly snowfall in November: 13cm

Alpe di Siusi is known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking mountain views. This resort is a part of one of the biggest ski networks in the world, the Italian Dolomites. Aside from the impressive selection of pistes and slopes, the Alpe di Siusi also offers plenty of cross-country trails to explore. Due to the snowmaking facilities at this resort, snow is guaranteed in November and throughout the season.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Trying your hand at cross-country skiing! There are a number of well-groomed trails that lead you through breathtaking Dolomite scenery.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Elevation: 1,224 m
Average monthly snowfall in November: 40 cm

This beautifully traditional Italian resort is also located on the Dolomites, located in the scenic Ampezzo Valley and surrounded by the striking Dolomite cliff faces. Set as the backdrop for James Bond films, the dramatic mountain views and excellent ski field do not disappoint. Cortina is popular with travellers all year round, and November visitors can enjoy its superb restaurants and pedestrianised centre with much smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Staying in the stunning LV01 Dolce Vita chalet - the height of luxury with over 900 square meters of space, panoramic mountain views, a swimming pool, cinema room, wine cellar, spa room and much more.

Explore all our luxury chalets and hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo here.

Skiing in November in North America

North America boasts a number of high-altitude ski areas that open as early as possible in the year, usually in the first weeks of November. In fact, North American ski resorts do tend to receive more snow and offer much better snow preservation on a whole, especially the low humidity in resorts found far from coastal ranges. November skiers tend to take advantage of the crisp and well-groomed pistes in the early morning, well before the sun warms up the trails. 

“Early mornings provide the best opportunity to take advantage of crisply groomed trails, while warmer afternoons set the stage for sun-soaked après sessions. Much like spring skiing, the early-season slopes tend to be less crowded and you should find plenty of lodging choices and easy access to restaurants and nightspots.”

Our top picks for the best skiing in November in North America is Revelstoke, BC.

Banff & Lake Louise, AB, Canada

It’s snowing in Banff by November, and the resorts will be open and ready for eager skiers to enjoy the slopes without the crowds. Banff and Lake Louise will be completely snowsure, and you can expect snow to cover the whole area regardless of the weather, with freezing temperatures allowing the snow cannons to lay a solid base on the slopes.

Oxford Ski Company recommends: Exploring the natural scenery and beauty of Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise, which should be completely frozen and ready for ice skating by mid to late November.

Start planning your early-season luxury ski holiday today! Explore our luxury chalets and discover our collection of luxury ski hotels.  If you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly and experienced team, or explore our blog for more inspiration.