Where to ski and snowboard in October

No-one would blame you for being keen to hit the European slopes as soon as you can this season. While most of us will look towards November and December before booking a few days or a week away, there are some opportunities for early season skiing and snowboarding adventures. Skiing – which is usually cheaper at this time of year - takes place on glaciers and many resorts are already reporting a fair dumping of snow. [caption id="attachment_989" align="alignleft" width="259" caption="Matterhorn Glacier, Zermatt"][/caption] Where to ski in Europe in October France: According to reports, Mont de Lan glacier (3600m) in Les Deux Alpe and the Grand Motte Glacier (3456m) in Tignes are the best places to head in France this October. Check out the websites of the resorts for opening times of the glacier slopes and the snowparks. Austria: Rettenbach glacier (3000m) in Solden offers some 3km of open pistes, served by two lifts. Meanwhile the Stubai Glacier (3000m) has already opened some of its pistes, and a good range of lifts. For snowboarders and freeskiers the season will start with the Snowpark on October 21, followed by the season's opening of the Moreboards Stubai Zoo, for kids and beginners. The Kaunertal Glacier (3108m) – the highest glacier in the Tyrol area –  is open year-round and also has lots of snow already. Switzerland: Zermatt's Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883m) is open throughout the year, while the Allain Glacier (3600m) in Saas-Fee is also looking good to go for Ocotber skiers and snowboarders.