Finally, it’s time to carve the first turns in the snow again, drop into a mountain hut with friends, and party until the small hours with the best acts. The 2026/27 ski season is kicking off with a whole host of highlights: from Helene Fischer in Schladming and Westlife in Ischgl to electronic beats at Rave on Snow in Saalbach.
But where are the best 2026 ski openings taking place? Which artists will be on stage and when does the action start? We’ve put together the most important ski opening events in Austria, France, and Switzerland for you, including dates, line-ups, and festival highlights.
Ski Openings in Austria 2026 – the biggest events
Schladming – Ski Opening with Helene Fischer (December 11–12, 2026)
Following international acts in previous years, Helene Fischer will be taking the stage at the 2026 Ski Opening in Schladming. On December 11 and 12, the Schlager queen and her band will transform the Planai Stadium into a massive concert arena. Huge hits like "Atemlos durch die Nacht," a spectacular show, and thousands of fans will ensure an unforgettable start to the winter season.
Ischgl – Top of the Mountain Opening Concert with Westlife (November 28, 2026)
Ischgl is opening the 2026/27 winter season with a true international highlight: Irish boy band Westlife will be bringing their greatest hits to the legendary Top of the Mountain Opening Concert on November 28.
Songs like "Flying Without Wings," "My Love," and "You Raise Me Up" are guaranteed to create a great atmosphere and goosebump moments. The ski resort kicks off its season on November 26. On the day of the concert, the party gets into full swing from 6 PM. Especially convenient: concert admission is already included with certain valid ski passes.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm – BERGFESTival (December 3–6, 2026)
Rock, brass, hip-hop, and plenty of après-ski vibes! During the BERGFESTival 2026, Saalbach-Hinterglemm will turn into a massive festival zone for four whole days. National and international acts will provide the entertainment across several stages and various locations.
The line-up is impressive: Roy Bianco & die Abbrunzati Boys will bring an Italian holiday feeling to the mountains, LaBrassBanda will deliver energetic brass sounds, and Dicht & Ergreifend will provide Bavarian hip-hop. They will be joined by Zebrahead, Punk Rock Factory, Guten A-Band, Rebel Musig Crew, and Texta. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine their first days of skiing with live music and festival vibes.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Rave on Snow (December 10–13, 2026)
A week after the BERGFESTival, things continue on an electronic note in Saalbach. Rave on Snow is one of the most famous winter festivals in the club scene and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Saalbach in 2026.
More than 60 artists will transform the winter sports resort into a huge party landscape with 13 floors and over 50 hours of music. The lineup includes Anfisa Letyago, Pan-Pot, Felix Kröcher, Melanie Ribbe, AKA AKA, LOVRA, and Moonbootica, among others. During the day, the slopes of the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn beckon, while in the evening, techno, house, and electronic beats take over.
St. Anton am Arlberg – Stanton Ski Open (December 4–6, 2026)
In St. Anton am Arlberg, winter sports tradition meets festival flair. The Stanton Ski Open 2026 features three days packed with skiing, live music, and plenty of activities.
A particular highlight is the large ski and snowboard testival at the Galzigbahn valley station, where winter sports fans can try out the latest models from various manufacturers. There’s also music, food trucks, the Arlberg Safety Camp, and the traditional Krampus parade.
Flachau – SNOW FESTIVAL (December 4–5, 2026)
Two days, diverse musical genres, and plenty of winter feeling: at the SNOW FESTIVAL Flachau 2026, the start of the ski season turns into a giant party. During the day, three stages on the mountain, an expo area, and the ski slopes provide the action. In the evening, the action shifts to the main stage in the valley.
On Friday, Boney M. Xperience, Münchener Freiheit, Lou Bega, and Loona will bring their well-known party hits to Flachau. Saturday is all about electronic beats. With BUNT., Glockenbach, and other DJ acts, a festival atmosphere is guaranteed. If you want to combine skiing with a varied music program, this is the place to be.
Bad Hofgastein – Ö3 Gastein Sounds (December 11–12, 2026)
Following its successful 2025 premiere, Ö3 Gastein Sounds is entering its second round. Around 10,000 visitors attended the first event, and 2026 promises another varied mix of winter sports and live music.
On Friday, Pizzera & Jaus together with folkshilfe as well as KARL will provide the Austrian music. Saturday goes electronic: Paul Kalkbrenner, known for his hit "Sky & Sand," will bring his unmistakable techno sounds to the Gastein Valley. He will be supported by MÖWE and Anna Ullrich. The party takes place right at the valley station of the Schlossalmbahn in Bad Hofgastein – a perfect blend of a ski day and an open-air concert.
Sölden – AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Opening (October 24–25, 2026)
In Sölden, the ski season starts as early as October with a true highlight! At the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Opening 2026, the international ski elite will gather at the Rettenbach Glacier on October 24 and 25 to kick off the World Cup season with the women's and men's giant slalom races. Alongside thrilling races, you can look forward to a great party atmosphere: ZWIRN, Mountain Crew, Beatstarz, and DJ Instyle will ensure a fantastic vibe at the glacier and World Cup parties. If you want to make your own first turns, you can already let loose on the glacier slopes starting October 9. Perfect for those who can barely wait for winter and want to combine racing, skiing, and après-ski at the start of the season!
Conclusion: The 2026 Ski Openings will get you in the mood for winter!
Whether you’re partying with Helene Fischer in Schladming, singing along to Westlife in Ischgl, rocking out at the BERGFESTival in Saalbach, or dancing the night away at the Rise Festival in France – the 2026/27 ski season is off to a flying start!
And remember: for perfect visibility on the slopes and the right style for the après-ski party, you need the right equipment. At NAKED Optics, you’ll find our ski goggles – with super anti-fog technology, the Magnet-Tech-Pro interchangeable lens system, and sustainable CO₂RE bio-plastic – for the slopes, as well as our stylish sunglasses, après-ski long shirt or our beanie for the party afterwards.
Discover your new ski goggles in the NAKED Optics online shop now and start the 2026/27 winter with style and clear vision!
