Winter is already taking shape in Finnish Lapland, where Levi Ski Resort has begun removing the covers from its massive stockpile of preserved snow ahead of the 2026-27 ski season.
A new video from Levi shows crews uncovering the stored snow as the resort prepares to transition into winter operations. The snow has been preserved through the warmer months and will help provide early season skiing and cross-country conditions well before natural snowfall fully blankets the region.
Levi is scheduled to open its alpine skiing and cross-country skiing season in early October, making it one of the first major European ski destinations to offer turns for the new season.
Levi Will Open For Skiing In Early October
Levi’s opening weekend will run from October 3rd through October 5th, with the resort planning to open its slopes and preserved snow cross-country ski track at 9:30am each day. The resort will initially open Levi Glacier, Front Slope Park and the mogul track. Glacier Express, North and Front Slope conveyor lifts are also scheduled to operate.
The preserved snow cross-country track will give Nordic skiers an opportunity to get on snow before winter conditions become widespread throughout Lapland. Perhaps most notably for skiers and snowboarders looking to get an early start, Levi is offering opening weekend lift access for just €30 from Friday through Sunday.
Ski And Snowboard Testing Returns
The opening weekend will also feature Levi’s 2026 Ski & Board Test Weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to test equipment from major brands including Black Crows, Burton, Fischer, Nitro, Nordica and Salomon. Testing will take place Friday afternoon before returning Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s schedule will also include children’s activities on the Front Slopes, followed by an après ski opener at Café Zero in the evening.
Levi’s early October opening comes as ski resorts across the Northern Hemisphere prepare for another winter season. While natural snow remains limited this early in the year, preserved snow allows resorts like Levi to get skiers onto the mountain weeks before consistent winter conditions arrive.