10 Major Developments in the Alps Ahead of the 2026/2027 Ski Season

The 2026/2027 winter season is approaching, and as usual, there are plenty of developments at the major ski resorts in the Alps worth considering if you haven't already decided where to go skiing this winter. Several of the Alps' most popular ski resorts are investing heavily to make skiing more comfortable and improve the overall experience. Brand-new state-of-the-art lifts, expanded ski areas, improved slopes and even autonomous drones are among the developments.

Some of the biggest investments are taking place in the Austrian and Italian Alps, but the French and Swiss ski resorts also have some interesting developments in store. We've selected ten of the most exciting things to look forward to this coming winter.

1. Saalbach-Hinterglemm - new gondola lift all the way to the summit

One of the larger lift investments ahead of the winter is taking place in the Austrian ski area around Saalbach-Hinterglemm, where the old Reiterkogelbahn, dating back to 1997, is being replaced by a more modern gondola lift carrying up to ten passengers per cabin. But the really big news is that the lift will have an entirely new second section, allowing skiers to travel directly from central Hinterglemm all the way to the summit of Reiterkogel without having to change lifts.

The new installation will have a capacity of up to 2,500 passengers per hour, offering more spacious cabins and reportedly more comfortable boarding. According to the plans, everything should be ready for use in November 2026, just in time for the start of the ski season.

This development will be particularly welcome for families with children and less advanced skiers who enjoy spending time on Reiterkogel's varied slopes.

2. Sölden - faster lifts and better snowmaking systems

The hugely popular Austrian ski resort of Sölden continues to modernise its extensive lift system. The biggest development this season is the new six-seater Gratl chairlift, which will replace an older installation. The lift will also feature an AI-assisted boarding and disembarking system, designed to improve safety and make using the lift smoother.

The main improvement is a substantial reduction in journey time, from approximately eight minutes to just 4.2 minutes. That's almost half the previous time, meaning that skiers who enjoy the area's more challenging runs will be able to fit significantly more descents into a day's skiing. The project also includes improvements to the slopes around Gratl and Wasserkar, including widening certain sections.

The snowmaking systems at Gaislachkogl, Schwarzkogl and Wasserkar are also being expanded. Meanwhile, the Mutkogl drag lift on the Tiefenbach Glacier is being modernised.

3. Ischgl - an even more luxurious lift experience

Ischgl has long been known for its modern and comfortable ski lifts, and ahead of winter 2026/2027, the resort is taking another step forward by replacing the Höllkarbahn C2 with a new eight-seater chairlift. The new lift will feature heated seats, protective weather hoods and a more modern boarding and disembarking system. The main idea is to make lift journeys more comfortable on cold and windy days, particularly at higher altitudes.

A major change is also taking place in the nearby ski resort of Galtür. Two drag lifts are being replaced by a new six-seater chairlift called Kopsseebahn, which, like the new lift in Ischgl, will be equipped with weather protection. For those who value high-quality lift infrastructure, Austria's Paznaun Valley (where both Ischgl and Galtür are located) is becoming an even more attractive destination.

4. Kronplatz - major investments in both lifts and new slopes

In South Tyrol, Italy, Kronplatz, also known as Plan de Corones, is undertaking one of the season's most extensive modernisation projects. Both sections of the Kronplatz 1+2 gondola lift are being replaced with new gondolas carrying ten passengers each. In addition, a new eight-seater chairlift called Dolomiti is being introduced, while the existing Ruis gondola lift is being replaced by a modern eight-person gondola.

But it's not just about transporting more skiers up the mountain. Kronplatz is also getting an entirely new blue run, Dolomiti, approximately 1.5 kilometres long, while the existing red Lumen slope is being extended and redesigned. A new blue connecting run called Weiden is also being added.

Kronplatz is already known for its beautifully groomed slopes, and these investments will improve both accessibility and the variety of skiing available, further strengthening that reputation.

5. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis - one of the highest-capacity chairlifts in the Alps

The family-friendly Austrian ski resort of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is investing in a major modernisation of its well-known Planseggbahn ahead of the winter season. The new eight-seater chairlift will have an impressive transport capacity of up to 4,000 passengers per hour. In addition to heated seats and weather protection, the lift's high speed is expected to help reduce queues and make getting around the ski area more convenient. And for skiers who enjoy taking longer breaks, a new panoramic bar will also be added at the Planseggbahn's lower station.

Snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts have something to look forward to as well. Sun Park, the resort's popular snowpark near Fiss, is being expanded with more zones catering to different ability levels. In total, the park will offer four different zones, ranging from beginner-friendly options to more advanced rails and funslope features.

6. Zermatt - new chairlift featuring advanced technology

In Switzerland's Zermatt, the ski area's oldest lift is being replaced after 37 years in operation. The new Patrullarve lift will be a modern six-seater chairlift designed to improve connections between Patrullarve, Sunnegga and Blauherd, directly above the village of Zermatt.

The new lift uses manufacturer Leitner's Ropera technology, which focuses on energy efficiency, operational reliability and easier maintenance. For skiers, this means greater reliability, improved comfort and higher capacity in one of the ski area's busiest sections. In fact, it will be the first chairlift in Switzerland to feature Ropera technology and only the second in the world.

Zermatt has also modernised the cable car between Trockener Steg and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, with the cabins receiving new interiors and improved accessibility.

Admittedly, these are not revolutionary changes, but they certainly reinforce Zermatt's position as one of the most technologically advanced ski resorts in the Alps.

7. Hintertux - new gondola lift to the glacier

The Hintertux Glacier in Austria is receiving a long-awaited upgrade to its transport system leading up to the glacier ski area. The more than 40-year-old four-person gondola between Sommerberg and Tuxer Fernerhaus is being replaced by a modern gondola lift with space for ten passengers per cabin. The new installation is expected to open in late October 2026 and will offer considerably greater comfort and more spacious cabins than its predecessor.

Thanks to its glacier, Hintertux is particularly popular with skiers who want to start their ski season early in autumn or continue skiing well into spring, when the more conventional ski resorts have closed for the season. Improved transport up to the glacier is therefore an important investment in the resort's future.

8. 3 Zinnen Dolomites - new gondola and improved valley run

In the Italian Dolomites, the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area is undertaking a major investment through its Helmissimo project. This includes the construction of a new ten-person gondola at Versciaco to improve transport up to Monte Elmo, one of the ski area's main access points. In addition to the new gondola, the valley run will be widened and modernised, while the snowmaking system along the slope will also be improved. And to top it all off, Punka, the facility at the lower lift station, is being expanded to provide better services for visitors.

9. Val Thorens - drones helping to improve safety

There are also some interesting developments ahead of the season that have nothing to do with faster or more comfortable ski lifts. In the French resort of Val Thorens, the focus is on a considerably more futuristic development within the ski area.

After previously testing an autonomous drone in the Lac du Lou area, the resort is now installing another one. The drone can be operated remotely and used to monitor large off-piste areas around Lac du Lou. The technology is also intended to assist staff with safety operations and rescue missions.

These drones do not replace ski patrols or rescue personnel, but they can provide a better overview of the area and serve as a valuable tool when incidents occur.

10. Switzerland - AlpsPass provides access to even more ski resorts

Another of the season's major developments doesn't concern a single ski resort, but rather the opportunity to explore several different ski areas using the same lift pass. Switzerland's AlpsPass was introduced last season, and the partnership between participating ski resorts is now being expanded further.

The pass is valid in the four main ski areas of Adelboden-Lenk, Aletsch Arena, Engelberg-Titlis and Jungfrau Ski Region. In addition, it includes three skiing days in each of several other ski areas, including Davos Klosters, LAAX, Arosa-Lenzerheide, 4 Vallées and Portes du Soleil. New for 2026/2027 is the addition of Montafon in Austria and Scuol in Switzerland as partner destinations, along with the introduction of an annual pass that also covers summer activities.

A winter focused on more comfortable and smarter skiing

One clear trend ahead of winter 2026/2027 is that ski resorts across the Alps continue to prioritise modern lifts, more efficient snowmaking and improved experiences rather than simply building more slopes. For all of us who love skiing, the result will hopefully be shorter lift queues, more comfortable transport and more opportunities to discover new parts and areas of the Alps.

Please note that all information in this article is based on the ski resorts' published plans and announcements from autumn 2026. Construction projects can, however, be delayed, meaning that not all the projects mentioned will necessarily be completed in time for the coming season.