The Austrian Alps delivered an early taste of winter today as the Dachstein Glacier in Styria was blanketed with approximately 9 to 10 centimeters of fresh snow—even though it’s still September on the calendar.
While typical autumn weather prevails in the valleys, with temperatures above 13°C, conditions changed dramatically higher up. At around 2,700 meters, the temperature hovered near 1°C, turning the landscape wintry within just a few hours.
Dachstein Wakes Up White
Current images from Dachsteingletscher Schladming show benches, terraces, and the area around the mountain station completely cloaked in snow.
According to the official forecast from the Schladming-Dachstein region, about 9 to 10 centimeters of snow were expected to fall on the glacier throughout Thursday.
Additional snow showers were forecast for the rest of the day.
This pronounced contrast between the mountains and valleys is typical during early autumn cold fronts.
Autumn Still Holds the Valleys
While Dachstein’s summit is experiencing nearly winter-like conditions, it’s a different story below.
In Ramsau am Dachstein, temperatures are holding steady between 13 and 14°C, and no snow is anticipated there.
The more than ten-degree difference between the glacier and the valley highlights just how dramatically Alpine weather can change with altitude.
Of course, Austria isn’t only attractive during winter ski season. Aktualizované.sk recently highlighted the country’s 10 most beautiful spa towns, where visitors can enjoy thermal baths surrounded by Alpine scenery.
This Is Not the Start of Permanent Winter
Despite today’s photos looking like the depths of winter, this is not the official start of the skiing season just yet.
On Friday, September 25, the weather is expected to change significantly.
The forecast for Dachstein predicts mostly sunny weather, no new snowfall, and temperatures remaining around 1°C.
Saturday will likely bring warmer conditions to the mountains, with temperatures climbing to around 6°C.
This means the fresh snow may quickly melt in sun-exposed areas.
Ski Enthusiasts Counting Down the Days
Early September snowfalls like this always spark anticipation among those eagerly awaiting the winter sports season.
The Dachstein is one of Austria’s most famous high-mountain destinations, and thanks to its glacier, it sees wintry conditions well before lower-lying ski areas.
Slovak skiers also take advantage of Austrian glaciers for training even outside the main season. Aktualizované.sk previously interviewed a young Slovak skier who said she trains on Austrian glaciers during summer.
Dachstein Sits at Around 2,700 Meters
The upper station of the Dachstein Gletscherbahn is located on Hunerkogel at about 2,700 meters above sea level.
This high altitude makes September snow possible even as pleasant autumn weather continues just a few kilometers lower.
The Schladming-Dachstein region is one of Styria’s most-visited tourist areas and, during winter, is a key ski destination in Austria.
Alpine Weather Changes Fast
Today’s shift is a reminder that anyone traveling to the high Alps needs to monitor the weather at higher elevations—not just in the valleys.
The difference between Ramsau and the top station of Dachstein can mean going from autumn rain to snow showers and winter conditions in just a short drive.
Tourists should always check the latest forecast, the cable car’s current status, and recommended gear for mountain terrain before heading out.
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Today’s roughly ten centimeters of snow are an early taste of winter rather than the start of a lasting snow season.
But for winter sports fans, the sight of a snowy Dachstein is a clear sign that another Alpine winter is fast approaching.
Source: Dachsteingletscher Schladming
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
