The opening of the ski resorts for 2026-2027 is now close: the first major resort to get going will be SkiArea Campiglio, which on Saturday 21 November will switch on the Grostè lifts above Madonna di Campiglio. A week later, on Saturday 28 November, it will be the turn of Monterosa Ski and several areas within the Dolomiti Superski circuit. Recent weather fronts have brought fresh snow to the higher slopes, and the season looks set to start on schedule. As always, though, every date is "snow permitting": before setting off, it's worth checking the official bulletins.
When do the ski slopes open in Italy: the 2026-2027 calendar
Madonna di Campiglio, from 21 November
SkiArea Campiglio, which links Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva, has a staggered opening calendar. On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November only the Grostè area will open, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. From Friday 27 November, Grostè will stay open every day, and as soon as conditions allow, Spinale, Pradalago and 5 Laghi will join in. From Thursday 3 December, the link with Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva is expected to open. The status of slopes and lifts is updated daily on Campiglio Dolomiti.
Monterosa Ski, from 28 November
The large Monterosa Ski 3 Valli resort opens on Saturday 28 November 2026 and, snow permitting, will remain open until Sunday 11 April 2027. The lifts connect Champoluc and Frachey in Val d'Ayas, Stafal in the Gressoney Valley and Alagna in Valsesia. Smaller areas, such as Brusson, Antagnod and Gressoney-Saint-Jean, follow a different schedule, with the first openings during the Immaculate Conception long weekend. All the dates can be found in the official Monterosa Ski calendar.
The Dolomites, between 28 November and 4 December
In the Dolomiti Superski circuit, the season kicks off in stages. From 28 November, Plan de Corones, Val di Fiemme-Obereggen and San Martino di Castrozza-Passo Rolle will open. From 4 December, it's the turn of Alta Badia, Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa-Carezza, Arabba-Marmolada, Alpe Lusia-San Pellegrino and Rio Pusteria-Bressanone. For Cortina, 3 Cime and the Civetta resort, dates are still to be confirmed: for the Belluno Dolomites, check the Ski Civetta website.
How much does a ski pass cost in the 2026-2027 season
Prices are rising in almost every resort, but many areas reward those who plan ahead. At Monterosa, for example, the daily ski pass bought online has a dynamic price ranging from €40 to €71, depending on the day chosen and how far in advance you buy it, with online purchases always saving €5 compared to the ticket office. It's a system that's becoming increasingly common: booking a date a few weeks ahead means spending less.
Our trip: winter told through the slopes
In the seventh season of Una gita fuoriporta, we experienced winter right in these very resorts. In the episode broadcast in January, we set off from Champoluc to explore Monterosa Ski, where David Romano met the locals who guided him across the slopes, mountain huts and views over the roof of Europe. In February, the cameras rolled in Madonna di Campiglio, amid the Brenta Dolomites and the SkiArea's more than 150 kilometres of slopes. And in March, on TV, we followed the Rotta dei Campioni in the Ski Civetta resort, between Alleghe, Selva di Cadore and Val di Zoldo. "Here winter takes on a different, almost artistic, shape," David told us, standing before the Belluno Dolomites.
[David, here you can add a personal memory: the first run of the season, an encounter in a mountain hut while filming, or the place you'd recommend to anyone skiing for the first time.]
You'll find more ideas for a winter in the mountains on our Trentino-Alto Adige page.
Practical tips for the start of the season
- Check the bulletin the night before: at the start of the season, dates can shift due to a lack of snow or bad weather.
- Buy your ski pass online: in many resorts it costs less and helps you avoid queues.
- Take advantage of late November: the slopes are less crowded and there are often opening offers.
- Don't expect everything to be open: in the early days only some areas operate, usually the higher ones.
- Get your skis serviced: after the summer, edges and bases need a bit of attention.
- Book early for the Immaculate Conception weekend: the long weekend from 5 to 8 December is the first real weekend on the snow.
And to choose your next destination, on our website you'll find all the episodes of Una gita fuoriporta available on demand.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026-2027 ski resort openings
When do the ski slopes open in 2026?
The first major resorts open between 21 November and 4 December 2026: Madonna di Campiglio on 21 November, Monterosa Ski and part of the Dolomites on 28 November, the remaining Dolomite areas on 4 December.
When does Madonna di Campiglio open?
Saturday 21 November 2026, with only the Grostè area open. From Friday 27 November, the opening becomes continuous.
When does Monterosa Ski 2026-2027 open?
Saturday 28 November 2026, until 11 April 2027, snow permitting.
When do the Dolomite slopes open?
From 28 November: Plan de Corones, Val di Fiemme-Obereggen and San Martino di Castrozza; from 4 December: Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Arabba.
Can the opening dates change?
Yes: they always depend on snowfall and weather conditions. Before setting off, check the official resort websites.