Snow Reports

Well its truly springtime in the Alps now. In Chamonix
it’s been hot and sunny for over a week now since the last snowfall at
the end of March. The snow has disappeared fast from town and its
definite springtime in the valley – the climbing crags are busy again,
the football pitch is free of snow and the bbqs are fast coming out of
winter storage. All the ski stations in the valley still have plenty of
snow for skiing but it’s slushy up there, especially on the south faces
and in the afternoon. The higher north facing slopes of the Grand
Montets have the best snow at the moment and the famous Vallee Blanche
is still in good nick although it’s especially important during this
warm weather to get an early start as hot afternoon temperatures can
dangerously weaken the snow bridges. There doesn’t seem to be any
significant precipitation arriving, but early forecasts suggest
something could happen early next week – likely to be rain in town but
we could see some fresh snow falling above 2000m.

Conditions are similar in most of the French resorts
and you need to head high to find the nest snow. The lower resorts are
relying on artificial snow now to keep their lowest pistes covered, and
this only if the nightime temperature falls low enough. Above 2000m the
snow cover is still sufficient in most places. While the northern French Alps
have been hot and sunny since March, a huge snow storm visited the
southern Alps in the first few days of April - some places saw a
whopping 80-100cm fall above 2000m. Avalanche conditions were very high
and a number of villages were evacuated and roads closed. This just
shows the changable weather in the mountains at this time of year - you
can be in your shorts one minute then covered in snow the next.

Austria
has also been very springlike and its been warm and sunny for well over
a week now. Thanks to a bountiful winter most of the pistes are still
in good shape but some lower southerly slopes are certainly becoming
patchy and conditions are slushy.

Its the same deal in Switzerland, Italy and Andorra at the moment, and again you are best advised to hit the high northerly slopes for the best snow. Italy in particular has had a great winter and some resorts still have a snow base of over 5metres on the upper slopes.

It seems like winter has come late to many American resorts
and there has been loads of snow falling recently, especially in
Colorado. With quiet slopes at this time of year, its a fantastic time
to be skiing. Over a metre of snow fell in Vail last week. Strangely however many resorts have now closed for the season, including Jackson Hole and Telluride
which are both boasting their deepest snow bases of the whole winter
right now. The east coast has experienced some colder temperatures and
a little snow in the last few days which has been very welcome. More
snow is forecast over the next few days especially in Colorado.

In Canada it is also proving to be a good end to the season and cold weather and snow is the forecast at the moment for Whistler and many parts of British Colombia.

back to top

After nearly two weeks of sunny spring weather winter has returned with a bang! We've had loads of snow here in Chamonix
- almost a metre over the past week. Starting last Monday night there
has been frequent and often heavy snow falling almost every day.
Tuesday and Wednesday were great days - the powder was deep and the
cloudy weather kept the slopes very quiet, even though the visibility
was in fact not bad at all (a good pair of goggles helps alot!).
Thursday the sun came out, and so did the people. It was an awesome
day, although you had to get in there early before the fresh lines got
taken and the sun turned the snow. On Thursday night a little more snow
fell and Friday there a decent amount of sunshine in between the
clouds. Yesterday was a real white out, and windy on the mountain too.
It rained heavily in town, but plenty of powder fell up high over the
course of yesterday and last night. This meant plenty more fresh snow
today, and although there was plenty of cloud about there were still
large pockets with good visibilty. Tomorrow looks like being quite
sunny, and Tuesday even more. There should be some great skiing in the
next few days, and it looks like being pretty sunny until the end of
the week.

Its not been just Chamonix receiving the snow; the rest of the French resorts have had their fair share too, particularly the more northerly ones. Well over half a metre has fallen in resorts such as Megeve and Avoriaz. Les Arcs
has seen around 50cm in the past week, but resorts south of there like
the 3 vallees have had a little less, while the most southerly resorts
such as Serre Chevalier and Alpe D'Huez have had less still. The next few days look set to be mainly sunny across the French Alps;
it should begin to feel more like spring again and its a great time to
get out there and enjoy the good snow. With warmer temperatures at this
time of year the best snow is to be found in the higher and more
northerly slopes.

The place with the biggest snowfalls recently has been Austria. Over a metre has fallen in places like Mayrhofen and St Anton,
much of this only in the last few days meaning deep powder conditions
now in many places. Its currently snowing heavily in many resorts and
this should continue through the night and maybe the morning. When the
sun comes out , conditions should be nothing short of epic across most
of the Austrian resorts.

This same weather system dumping snow over Austria is also releasing its fruits over the eastern part of Italian Alps
too, in resorts such as Livigno and Bormio and the northern Dolomites.
Over in the west of the Italian Alps conditions have been similar to
that of France so plenty of snow has fallen recently too and conditions are excellent.

Switzerland
hasnt missed out either with plenty of recent snowfall. All the resorts
have received decent snowfalls, most notably those in the far east near
the Austrian norder such as Davos.

Times have been good for skiers over in the USA
as well in the past week. Big snowfalls have hit across the west,
especially in Colorado and Utah - Alta for example has had well over a
metre of fresh snow. Its not been so good for skiers on the east coast
however, where conditions have been mostly warm and springlike. Most
resorts in the west should continue to get some snowfalls over the
coming days, although not as heavy as last week and there should be
some sunshine to enjoy at times too.

There has also been plenty of powder on offer in Canada too, especially in resorts of inland British Colombia, such as Big White and Fernie. Just like in the USA, the west of Canada is enjoying great conditions while the east has seen spring like weather and no new snow.

back to top

Well, its glorious sunshine dominating proceedings over the Alps at the moment… Spring has truly arrived! Here in Chamonix the sun has been blazing over a week now, ever since the snowstorms of early last week cleared. There has been plenty of exceptional skiing, especially in the few days since the snowfall. Since then more and more people has been busting out their touring gear and enjoying the wonders of the Alps in springtime. You can still find good snow if you know where to look – those sheltered northerly slopes hidden from both the sun and wind. The wind has certainly been a factor in the past week and strong north/north westerly winds have been common, especially at altitude. This has made for some hard wind packed snow on those exposed slopes, while the southerly slopes have been pulverised by the strong sunshine. While the night time temperatures have remained cold, it really has got warm in the afternoons - up to the mid teens on the sunny slopes. The constant freeze-thaw on those slopes has made for some poor snow in places. In terms of piste skiing it has become mostly classic spring conditions – hard/icy in the morning and becoming wet and slushy in the afternoon.
There is still snow around in town, even at the relatively low elevation of 1000m, and this is an indication of just how much snow we’ve had this winter. It is now beginning to disappear fast but there’s still plenty of it in the more shaded places. While some slopes are starting to get rocks showing through, snow cover is still not really a concern at the moment even with all this sunny weather.
The rest of the French resorts have also been enjoying the spring sunshine. In most places the snow is still good and coverage is not too much of a concern thanks to this year’s abundant winter. Having said that, the lower sunnier slopes are getting thin in some places and you need to head high for the best snow. Val Thorens, for example has some of the highest skiing in the Alps and the pistes there are in good nick. The sunny weather is set to continue across the region for the immediate future, although the weekend should see a drop in temperature, with maximums set to be back down into single figures. Initial forecasts suggest some snow could arrive in the middle of next week so we’ll keep our fingers crossed for that.
Conditions in the Swiss resorts are similar with plenty spring like weather. While there’s been no snow for over a week in most of the country, the eastern resorts have seen a little snow in the last few days; Davos and Laax have had a dusting of around 10cm. These resorts should see similar dustings over the next few days but no substantial snowfall and there should still be plenty of sunshine.
Most of Italy has been bathed in the spring sunshine too. Again the best snow is up high, although most resorts in Italy have had truly bumper winters and snow depths are still way above average for the time of year. A dusting of snow fell recently in the Dolomite region, and like the rest of the Alps more substantial snow may arrive in the middle of next week but it is still quite early to be certain. For now it’s a great time to enjoy good quality spring skiing, with plenty of sun and plenty of snow.
The weather is a little more unstable over Austria. While it’s been spring conditions in most places, many Austrian resorts have had colder temperatures and its snowing now in a number of resorts. It’s unlikely to be heavy snow but some places could see 15cm or so in the next few days.
Across the pond in the USA it’s also spring weather at the moment with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. With good snowfalls in most resorts in recent weeks conditions for skiing remain good. Most of the country has had a dry week, although the north-west coast has had some recent dumps, especially in Oregon state where around half a metre of the white stuff has fallen this week. There’s not much snow forecast anyway in the next few days, but after that Colorado and Wyoming could get some fresh stuff.
Conditions in Canada are good at the moment. After a lean start to the winter, recent snowfalls mean snow depths are about on average now for the time of year. There have been recent snowfalls across much of British Colombia and the temperatures have been fairly low so there’s still powder to be found if its not all been skied out! The sun is shining at the moment, meaning great skiing conditions. Most resorts should see a decent amount of new snow over the coming days.

back to top

Conditions were nothing short of epic today in Chamonix
as the heavy snow clouds finally broke and gave way to glorious
sunshine. The snow has been pooring down for the last few days and
while there was plenty of good skiing, you normally couldnt see more
than a few feet in front of you. With the sun out, however, it was time
to really cut loose and eat up all that fresh snow!

The great conditions today have followed closely on the back of a
fantastic powder filled weekend, and March this year is shaping up to
just as fantastic as last year. Close to 50cm has fallen in the past 2
days, following on from more than 40cm and the back end of last week.

Temperatures have been cold and the snow level has consistently been
below 1000m meaning for excellent light powder although, since we are
into spring now, when the sun has been out it has quickly become very
warm. On the most sunny slopes the snow has quicly turned heavy and
crucsty under the sun, but the more shaded north facing slopes always
hold the powder longer.

The weather is set to stay sunny until the weekend and likely beyond.
Temperatures should be cold overnight and in the morning but become
quickly mild in the afternoon  - its a case of hitting the slopes early
for the best snow, then putting your feet up and enjoying a cold beer
in the sun in the afternoon...the joys of spring skiing!



All of the French Alps have received significant snowfalls in the past week. The most snow has fallen in the more northerly resorts such as Chamonix, Morzine and Megeve. Those in the southwest, like Alpe D'Huez have done pretty well too. It certainly has been a good week to be skiing in theFrench Alps.
Sunny weather should now dominate until the end of the weekend, while
light snow flurries could visit most resorts early next week.



Over in Italy
theres been plenty of fresh snow in the past week as well. Heavy
snowfalls dominated the end of last week making for fantastic skiing
over the weekend. The Dolomites, in particular, received alot of snow -Cortina got more than 50cm. North west resorts like La Thuile and Courmayeur
did equally well and also received a good deal of fresh snow early this
week, the latter in particular. The in France, plenty of sunshine
should be the prevailing weather for the next few days.



Switzerland
hasnt missed out on the fun either and all the resorts are boasting of
huge snowfalls over the past week. There has been well over half a
metre in most resorts, falling heaviest before the weekend and also
significant amounts in the past couple of days. Again it should be
sunny for the next few days, although light snowfalls could visit the
most eastern resorts such as Andermatt and Engelberg.



If you've been skiing in Austria
recently, you'll know that they too have had huge amounts of fresh
snow. Just in the past couple of days at least 30cm has fallen in
numerous Austrian resorts
and even as much as half a metre in places. Like the rest of the Alps,
Austria also received heavy snowfalls at the end of last week. Mayrhofen
has been one the best hit with close to a metre falling in the last
seven days. More snow should fall across the region in the next few
days, with up to 20cm expected in places. By the end of the weekend the
sun should return.



The Pyrenees also received hefty snowfalls at the end of last week, Cauterets in particular.



Canada's
below par winter has improved alot in recent weeks and many
resorts again enjoyed good snowfalls over the end of last week, and on
the weekend. Temperatures have been extremely cold too; below -20C in
many resorts and even as low as -40C in places! This has made for
extremely light powder, and excellent skiing so long as you've wrapped
up warm! Not much snow is forecast for the next few days, but the cold
temperatures should ensure that the snow remains powdery for a while
yet. And it looks like very heavy snowfalls will arrive after the
weekend.



In the USA,
most resorts are in good shape. California received huge snowfalls last
week, and Colorado got some welcome snowfall over the weekend and start
of this week making it one the the best places in the country to be
skiing right now. Temperatures should be cold in most places,
particularly Wyoming which is recording temperatures deep into the
minuses. The east coast on the other hand, is a little mild at the
moment but colder weather should return.

back to top

Well
we havnt had any new snow here in Chamonix for a week now but conditions remain good thanks to
the healthy snow base and the continuing cold temperatures. While the pistes
are becoming a little moguled and icy in places there is still powder to be
found if you know where to look. Piste conditions are better on the south
facing slopes at the moment where the snow remains a little softer. Being Chamonix, the off piste is tracked out and very bumpy in
places but if you’re willing to hike a bit there is still powder to be found on
the more sheltered north facing slopes that havnt received a lot of sun and
wind. We certainly found some fantastic snow touring of the back of Flegere
yesterday and there were plenty of whoops of joy as we carved fresh tracks down
the mountain.

Conditions are similar across the rest of the French
Alps, with predominantly sunny and cold weather. Afternoon temperatures
have begun to get quite mild in recent days and those lower south facing slopes
are suffering a little. The good winter to date however means that snow bases
are not much of a worry at most resorts. After unstable weather in recent weeks
it’s been good to enjoy a bit of prolonged sunshine.

The next few days are set to remain sunny with temperatures
cold in the morning but getting mild in the afternoon. New snowfalls could
arrive across the region in the middle of next week and these could be quite
significant especially across the central regions of the French
Alps.

Its the Austrian
Alps that have been getting the most recent snowfalls. The last week has
seen at least 30cm fall in most resorts and more than half a metre in some
resorts such as Mayrhofen while Flachau received an early week dump of 40cm making for
fantastic skiing. The forecast for the next few days is for light snow
flurries, while some heavier snowfalls could arrive in the middle of next week.

Eastern Switzerland
has also done quite well for snow in the past week; Davos has had more than 30cm of fresh snow recently. As you
travel further west in Switzerland there has been less fresh snow , and those
resorts in the west, such as Verbier, have just had a dusting. Most of Switzerland is set
for sunshine for the next few days, and then more snow should arrive at the
beginning to middle of next week.

Italy,
like France, has had little recent snowfall. The past few days has
seen glorious sunshine across the region and plenty of opportunity to enjoy
this winter's good snow conditions. Snow bases are well above average for this
time of year. The sunny weather is set to continue into next week before some
more snow arrives. The resorts in the west such as Courmayeur and Alagna-Gressoney
look like benefiting the most from that snow system with at least 30cm
forecast.

Over in North America conditions have been signifacntly
improved by heavy snowfalls at the start of the week. In Canada,
Whistler has received around 80cm this week and more is
forecast making for exceptional conditions. This snow is especially welcome in
Canada, where its been a below average winter so far.

Across the border into the USA, they've also had plenty of new snow. Oregon
has enjoyed massive snowfalls with over a metre falling already this week.
California and Colorado have recieved sizeable snowfalls too, and more is set
to arrive. You're best heading for the higher lifts, however, as its been sleet
or rain falling at the lower elevations. Snow fell early in the week over on
the east coast as well.

back to top

We have had a week of topsy turvy weather here in Chamonix
with a couple of strong storms coming in from the Atlantic followed by
some very cold weather. On Saturday it snowed all day, allowing Chamonix
to regain some base it had lost in the warm foehn wind days of last
week. On Sunday the weather cleared which allowed for some superb
skiing in light deep powder. It was somewhat wind affected at the
highest elevations off the Aiguille de Midi, but wonderful powdery
goodness throughout the main resort. In the afternoon clouds rolled in
reducing visibility, halting the mad dash for the pow pow. Monday was
an interim day ahead of a powerful storm system that came in from the
Atlantic, with high cloud overcast conditions and high winds. We
enjoyed some wonderful snow off the backside of Le Tour, skiing into Switzerland
down pristine powder fields. Tuesday was a write off as very high winds
and avalanche danger forced the resort to close for the day. On
Wednesday however, the weather improved, and among snow showers and the
odd break in the clouds, we rocketeered off down the powder filled mountains. Thursday saw the return of snowy weather and
minimal visibility which only cleared towards the late afternoon,
allowing for one epic last run to those brave skiers that were patient
and strong enough to live out the day. This meant the mountain had a
fresh fill up of snow, which again meant Friday, in the sun, was to
become another epic day, in spite of bone crunchingly cold conditions.
The Aiguille de Midi recorded -29C at 7am, and with the high winds this
meant a windchill of -50C!! Nevertheless the snow was beautiful and the
whole resort was open and waiting to be enjoyed.



Conditions this week throughout the rest of the French Alps have been similarly fantastic. Val d'Isere
enjoyed a big dump of snow on Monday and Tuesday, allowing for epic
turns for those not busying themselves following the alpine skiing
World Cup currently taking place there. All the main French resorts have seen considerably snowfalls in the past week, above half a metre in some places such as Meribel and Morzine.
The weather across the region is set to be a little unsettled over the
next few days, with some snow flurries but no major dumps. The
temperature should remain cold but thankfully it will be a little
warmer than the past couple of days.



The Italian Alps
continue to enjoy one of their best winters in the last 20 years; snow
bases in the Dolomites are approaching 6 meters in places, and further
west conditions are just as good, with Alagna-Gressoney reporting 5 meters at the top. It snowed across the region this week, but it is the north-western resorts such as Courmayeur and La Thuile that have enjoyed the most snow in the past week, while the more southerly resorts of the Italian Alps
received smaller snowfalls. Most of the resorts should enjoy clear
weather for the next few days, although the most northerly resorts
could get a dusting of snow.

 

The Austrian and Swiss Alps both also enjoyed large snowfalls in the past week, and cold temperatures have meant snow down to the cities. Parts of Switzerland could enjoy more snowfall in the next few days, with resorts such as Davos and Laax forecasting around 30cms or more. St Anton, in Austria, is expecting a similar amount of fresh snow. Beyond that, sunny weather looks like returning to Switzerland giving plenty of opportunity to make the most of the fresh snow. North-eastern Austria, such as Kitzbuhel could see continuing snow flurries, but no heavy storms are expected.



The Pyrenees have equally received copious amounts of snow, 3 feet falling on Wednesday across wide parts of the range.

Andorra has an extensive snow cover with bases up to 3 meters, while Cauterets in the French Pyrenees reports a 5 meter base.

Bulgaria has received recent fresh snow too, and conditions in Borovets are good right now.



Across the pond in the USA, Utah and Colorado have received large snowfalls throughout the whole week; Vail received a most welcome half meter of fresh powder, while Snowbird and Alta have seen more than 50cm of fresh powder. The North West is still living through dry and cold conditions, Whistler in Canada
reporting a lower than average base of 130cm, making off piste
conditions sketchy yet the runs are showing some good skiing. Further
south in California Mammoth Mountain is reporting the biggest snow pack in the US, with a base of up to 4 meters.

No heavy snowfalls are forecast for the next few days in the US; Colorado and California may get some scattered snow showers, while the east coast should remain settled. Most Canadian resorts are set for more clear weather too.

back to top

Most resorts across the Alps have seen some more fresh snow this week.



Here in Chamonix
its not been such a good week as we've had mainly cloudy mild weather
with little snowfall. The warm Foehn wind has been prevailing for the
last few days bringing much milder temperatures to the valley. The
forecast looks a lot more promising, however, with fresh snow and
colder temperatures on the way.



Of the French Resorts
its been the most southerly ones that have had the most snowfall in the
past week. Isola 2000, in particular, along with the rest of the French
Maritime Alps has received more than half a metre in the past week,
including 30cm falling on Tuesday. Snow depths there are well above the
usual average. Slightly further north, popular resorts like Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes have enjoyed a fair amount of new snow recently.

All the major French resorts should see more snow falling over the
weekend, combined with cold temperatures, and scattered snow showers
look likely to continue at least until the middle of next week in most
parts.



Many Swiss Resorts have enjoyed fresh snowfall in the past week, particularly the likes of Zermatt and Saas Fee.
Strong winds, however, have been affecting money resorts. Some of the
heaviest snowfalls across the Alps this weekend could hit Swiss resorts
of Zermatt, Grachen and Zinal - up to 50cm could fall over the weekend and early next week. The east of the country is set for heavy snow too, particularly St Moritz and Davos. Light, scattwered snowfalls could continue throughout next week too.



In Austria,
its been quite a mild week in terms of temperatures. The last few days
have been mostly sunny across the region although some resorts,
particulary the more southerly ones, have had the occasional snow
flurry. All Austrian resorts should receive some fresh snow over the
weekend and the temperatures should get colder too, which is all good
news. St Anton could be set for around 30cm of fresh snow in the next few days. The more western resorts will see the most snow.



The Italian resorts
have been having a fantastic winter and they have again enjoyed some of
the heaviest snowfalls of the past week. The central regions of the
Italian Alps, such as Livigno, have enjoyed plenty of new snow in the past week - more than 50cm in some places. The Dolomites have had more snowfall too; Cortina has had about 20cm in the past few days. Theres been plenty of fresh snow in the more westerly resorts aswell - Alagna's base is now at almost 5 metres, and Sauze d'Oulx has seen around 30cm fall in the past few days.

Theres plenty more snow coming in the next few days across the Italian
Alps too. Again the central parts will see the most, with Livigno and Bormio expecting at least half a metre over the weekend. More snow will fall across the Dolomites as well.



Andorra has also enjoyed some fresh snowfall in recent days and a few more showers should arrive over the weekend.

Skiing in Scotland couldnt be much better at the moment with the heavy snowfalls hitting the UK. Cairngorm currently has half a metre of fresh powder.



Canada
continues to be in somewhat of a dry spell and snow depths at most
resorts are significantly below average for the time of year. Many of
the pistes are hard and icy right now and little snow has fallen in the
past week. Snow showers are though expected across British Colombia
from Sunday and into next week. It wont be heavy snowfall but could
amount to 20-30cm of fresh it total over a few days.



The USA
hasnt seen much snowfall in the past week but conditions remain
excellent in most resorts. Cold temperatures are keeping the snow in
good condition and sunny skies have made for excellent skiing
conditions. There are good base depths in most resorts, particularly in
Colorado. Its very cold in the east coast at the moment. The next few
days could contain some light snow showers in the west, while the east
will remain mostly dry. Heavier snow looks like hitting Colorado and
California early next week.

back to top

Conditions continue to be fantastic across the Alps with
plenty of fresh snow everywhere!





Here in Chamonix we enjoyed another big dump at the end of last week
meaning the depth of snow on the upper slopes is now almost 3 metres. Down in
town there is plenty of snow too, so no problem with skiing back into the
valley which can be an issue some years.

The last significant snowfall was on Friday/Saturday and Sunday was a fantastic
day, with the sun coming out and mountains of fresh snow everywhere – a real
‘blue bird powder day’! We had a few snow flurries on Monday/Tuesday and since
then the sun has been out, and this fine weather looks set to continue until
the end of the weekend. Its pretty cold too, and there is still plenty of great
snow to be found on the more shaded slopes; the southerly slopes have started
to become a little sun-affected.

It looks like the first half of next week will bring some more snow, though
it’s uncertain how much. Early forecasts suggest around 20cm, but we’ll keep
our fingers crossed for a little more!



Most of the FRENCH ALPS have enjoyed a similarly fruitful past week in
terms of snowfall and all the major French resorts have had significant
snowfalls. Friday and Saturday brought as much as a metre to some resorts.

Be warned, however, that avalanche conditions have been extremely high, and
continue to be so  - I was involved in two separate avalanche incidents
yesterday.



The French Alps have certainly had the best of the last week in terms of
snowfall, but no one has completely missed out.





In SWITZERLAND, resorts in the west such as Verbier and Zermatt received bumper snowfalls on the weekend. The more
easterly resorts such as Engelberg and Andermatt did not fare quite so well but still enjoyed 20cm of
fresh snow.

Like the rest of the Alps, sunny skies are forecast for the remainder of the week
and throughout the weekend, but some more new snow could arrive at the start of
next week. All resorts should get at least 10-20cm and places like Saas Fee and Zermatt look set for double that.





The Austrian Alps didn’t miss out on the weekend snowfalls either,
although some parts certainly did better than others. St Anton and Mayrhofen are two of the resorts that have seen the most
snowfall in recent days, with ar ound 20-30cm of fresh on the weekend. All the
resorts enjoyed at least 10cm of new snow on Friday/Saturday.

Cold temperatures are keeping the snow in good condition and there is still
powder to be found if you know where to look. The next few days are forecast to
be sunny, and then some more snowstorms look set to arrive early next week…





The Italian Alps have been enjoying a fantastic winter and more
snow on the weekend has helped continue this trend. Alagna is currently boasting one of the largest bases in the
Alps with over 4metres on the upper slopes after significant new snow on the
weekend. Sauze D’Oulx has been faring pretty well too, and currently Courmayeur has a lot of snow. These more westerly resorts had
the better of last weekend’s snowfall, but next week it should balance out with
resorts like Cortina and Alleghe set to receive the biggest snowfalls. It
doesn’t look like anyone will miss out completely though, so it’s a case of
enjoying the sunshine for the next few days before the snowfalls return.





The USA
hasn’t been missing out on the fresh snowfalls either. Pretty much every resort
in the western half of the country has received significant recent snowfalls.
Utah has seen some of the most snow, with Alta and Snowbird getting well over half a metre since the weekend.
Colorado, too, has been doing well, especially in Steamboat. A good amount of new snow is being enjoyed by many
resorts in the east too.

As for the next few days, snow should continue falling in Colorado and Utah,
while resorts further west should be clear and sunny. The east looks set for
some more snow too, in fact the most of anywhere in the country with up to half
a metre expected in places. Further on, into the start of next week, the
western half looks set to be sunny while snowfalls will continue in the east.





Many Canadian Resorts have also received recent fresh snow. For
some its just been 10cm or so, but places like Revelstoke have enjoyed more
than 30cm in the past few days. Heavier snow is due to arrive in the next few
days; Revelstoke could get the same again plus more, while at least 30cm should
fall in Whistler in the next couple of days. At the same time it
is due to stay cold, meaning there will be plenty of light fluffy powder to
enjoy. The snowfalls look like they could continue into the weekend.

back to top

There is LOTS of new snow across the Alps!!



In Chamonix
we’ve seen up to half a metre fall in the past two days. There were
fantastic conditions on the mountain today with fresh powder and the
sun breaking through the clouds before the snowfall returned once more…

Yesterday there was plenty of fresh powder too, although it was a
little on the heavy side due to warmer temperatures. The temperature
dropped again last night however and the rain/snow limit dropped to
around 800m. The colder temperatures meant last nights snowfall brought
much lighter powder.

The snow is set to continue (its snowing as I write this!) on and off
to the weekend and beyond so conditions should be superb for the
foreseeable future.

The same snowfalls have been seen across the FRENCH ALPS, with all the resorts reporting great conditions. The more northern resorts such as Chamonix, Avoriaz, Megeve and Morzine
have seen the most snow – about half a metre in places. The most
southern resorts didn’t do quite so well from the recent snowfalls – Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes got only about 10cm, as did the Maritime Alps resorts such as Isola 2000. Resorts in the heart of the French Alps such as Val D’Isere, Meribel and Courchevel have seen around 25cm of new snow in the last couple of days.

Be sure to take care with the off-piste at the moment as avalanche conditions are high.

In the next few days we should see even more snowfall across the French
Alps. Most of the resorts will enjoy another 20cm at least by the end
of the week, but then the big snowfalls will return on the weekend. Chamonix, and nearby resorts like St Gervais, Morzine and Flaine will enjoy at least another half a metre of fresh. The same will fall on the slopes of Tignes, Val Thorens and La Plagne. The resorts of Alpe D’Huez, La Grave and Les Deux Alpes could see even more however with more than a metre forecast to fall between Friday and Monday.

And the snow isn’t going to stop then! Long range forecasts suggest
that even more snow will arrive in the early and middle part of next
week – perhaps as much as another half metre! All this could mean more
than a metre and a half, and maybe as much as two metres, falling on
many French resorts in the next 10 days! The bumper winter continues!



Over in the AUSTRIAN ALPS fresh snow also fell on the weekend, about 10cm worth. This has considerably improved the skiing in the Austrian resorts
and the good news is that more is forecast for today and tomorrow, as
well as for Friday and through the weekend. The next week could see
more than half a metre falling across the Austrian Alps, and there’s no
sign of the snowfalls stopping.

The western resorts such as St Anton should see slightly more snow than the rest of the region.



In SWITZERLAND there has also been plenty of recent fresh snow, especially in the west in resorts such asZermatt, Verbier and Wengen,
which have enjoyed up to half a metre in the last few days. All the
Swiss resorts have received fresh snow of at least 15cm in these past
few days.

Heavier snowfalls are forecast for the end of the week and the weekend.
Again, those more westerly resorts will benefit the most; Verbier is set for more than half a metre of fresh, as is Zermatt. All the Swiss resorts should enjoy at least 30cm of fresh powder over weekend.

As with the rest of the Alps, warm temperatures on Friday might cause
rain to fall quite high up the mountain, but the temperature should
fall again significantly by Saturday meaning snow will again fall, even
at the lower elevations.

The snowfalls should continue well into next week in Switzerland.



In ITALY
fresh snow has also been enjoyed in recent days. The northwest and the
northeast resorts have had the most recent snowfall, about 40-50cm. In
the east, the Dolomite Resorts such as Cortina have in fact enjoyed even as much as 40cm in the past few days, and the same has fallen in more westerly resorts such as Courmayeur.

As for the next few days, more snow is forecast with 20cm or so due to
fall. In the Dolomites, they could be extra lucky once more and receive
about 40-50cm.

The weekend will bring more snow to the region, especially in the west, where places like Sauze D’Oulx and La Thuile could enjoy more than half a metre.

As with the rest of the Alps, snow should continue to fall right through next week.



While all this snow has been falling in Europe, the USA
has received little snowfall in the past few days. Temperatures are
cold, meaning the snow is staying is great shape and skiers are
welcoming some sunshine after all the recent snowstorms. Conditions are
set to stay fairly clear for the next few days. More snow could come on
the weekend and early next week, with Colorodo set for the most;
possibly 50+cm in Steamboat.



Canada
also hasn’t received much new snow in the past week, although there has
been a little on the east coast. Again clear weather and cold
temperatures are being appreciated in most resorts, and snow depths are
very healthy thanks to big snowfalls so far this winter.

The next four or five days should bring a good deal of the same
weather, although some snow is forecast to fall – maybe about 20cm in
the British Columbia resorts such as Whistler and Fernie. The east should see some snowfall too but probably less.



Wherever you are conditions are pretty fantastic at the moment, just
remember to enjoy all this fresh powder safely… Happy Skiing!

back to top

The last week has seen plenty of sunshine and cold temperatures here in Chamonix. Temperatures have been constantly below zero so the snow is being preserved but we could certainly do with another dump…

It’s a similar picture across theFRENCH ALPS. The pistes are nice and quiet now after the madness of New Year and the groomed runs are in good condition. It’s not so easy to find good off-piste skiing however.
The most southern resorts, those in the French Maritime Alps, have fared the best in the last week with resorts such asIsola 2000 and Serre Chevalier receiving 15-20cm of fresh snow in the middle of the week. Again, cold and sunny weather has prevailed in that region for the last few days.
The weather is set to continue as predominantly cold and sunny for the remainder of this week. A few clouds and snow flurries could occur in parts over the next couple of days, but no major snowfall is forecast until next Sunday (the 18th).
Here in Chamonix it looks like we could enjoy a significant dump, maybe more than 30cm on Sunday/Monday and then more arriving in the following few days…fingers crossed! All the French resorts should benefit from the fresh snow, although the more southerly and easterly resorts such as Serre Chevalier and Val D’Isere will get a little less. Those resorts that look like getting the highest snowfalls include Alpe D’Huez, Chamonix, Les Arcs and the Portes du Soleil resorts such as Morzine and Avoriaz.
The snowfalls look like they will continue for the majority of next week, but Sunday/Monday will bring the majority of the new snow.

As for AUSTRIA, it’s also been cold and sunny for the past week. The pistes are generally skiing well, although some can be a little icy in places. No Austrian resorts have had any meaningful snowfall in the past week and it’s been pretty much sunshine all week. The fine weather and good snow base have made for enjoyable piste skiing, though the lack of new snow has meant limited options for good off-piste skiing.
It is forecast to snow in the next couple of days across the Austrian Alps but no more than 10cm, and then about the same again coming on the weekend. This should freshen up the slopes nicely.

Over in SWITZERLAND it’s again been a mainly sunny and cold week, although some resorts such as Zermatt and Saas Fee did receive a topping up of about 15-20cm of new snow in the middle of the week. Like the whole of the Alps, last weekends weather was sunny and cold. The cold temperatures have protected the existing snow and conditions on-piste are generally pretty good, though there are icy patches in places.
Again snow is forecast to arrive in Switzerland on Sunday. Those resorts in the west, such as Verbier, will see the most snowfall, with 30-50cm likely to fall between Sunday and Tuesday. The resorts in the east like St Moritz and Laax will get the least new snow from this disturbance, maybe only 10cm. Other resorts such as Wengen and Engelberg will get something in between.
Light snowfalls look like continuing across Switzerland in the second half of next week.

In ITALY, Milky Way resorts such as Sauze D’Oulx and Sestriere received the most new snowfall last week with up to 30cm of fresh snow falling in places last Thursday. Since then it’s been sunny in that region, as it has across the whole of the Italian Alps in the last few days. The continuing cold weather is ensuring good snow conditions even in those resorts that didn’t receive fresh snow.
In the next few days the resorts in the west of the Italian Alps are set for clear and sunny weather, while those in the east will get a little bit of new snow, up to 10cm. After that a bigger disturbance will hit the western resorts while small snowfalls will continue in the rest. Resorts in the northwest such as Courmayeur and La Thuile are set for the biggest snowfalls in the next week, with 30-40cm arriving between Sunday and Tuesday

Elsewhere in Europe, Andorra has been sunny and cold for the last few days, but did enjoy some fresh snow before that. More snow is due to arrive in the next week, but not a huge amount. Borovets and other Bulgarian resorts were due to enjoy some new snow today.

Conditions in most USA resorts are great right now. The east coast has had the most snowfall recently. Most resorts have received new snow in the last few days, with the exception of the west coast resorts where clear weather has prevailed. The most snowfall in recent days has been experienced in Steamboat, Colorado. Jackson Hole has been getting a lot of recent snow too.
As for the next few days, it will be the east coast getting the most snow, with up to 25cm being added to some resorts. The central and western resorts will be mainly dry and sunny, although parts of Colorado could see some small snow showers. Temperatures are set to remain fairly cold in most of the main ski regions.

People heading to Canada won’t be disappointed with the snow either, with most resorts boasting fantastic conditions. British Columbia has received a lot of snow in the last week, with Whistler seeing well over half a metre added to its slopes. Revelstoke has done particularly well in the last couple of days, with 30-50cm of new snow.
Not much snow is forecast for the next few days, but some resorts like Fernie could get a bit of a dusting. And further on this week the weather looks set to stay clear and sunny for a while, except for in the far northwest where large storms are expected.

Enjoy the skiing and stay safe!

back to top

The man from Cham is back at last


It is VERY cold across the Alps right now. Here in Chamonix it has been almost a week since the last snowfall, but the cold temperatures are keeping the snow in good conditions. Some slopes, where there has been a lot of wind and/or a lot of skiers have become quite icy now, especially on those north-facing slopes that don't receive so much sun. In town the temperature has frequently been dropping below -10C, and even colder higher up the mountain, although in the sunshine things have felt a lot warmer.


Snow is forecast to fall tonight and tomorrow, but it looks like it will be just a dusting. This should continue until Thursday, when the clear skies return. Temperatures are set to stay well below freezing all week.


Elsewhere in FRANCE conditions have been similar with sunny skies and cold temperatures. Snow is expected across all the resorts this week, but some will be luckier than others. Here in Chamonix, the next few days should bring around 10cm. Resorts further south such as Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes should get at least 20cm and possibly as much as 40cm. The 3 Vallees (Meribel, Val Thorens, Courchevel) and Val D'Isere and Tignes should also see a good improvement on conditions with up to 20cm forecast over the next 3 days. Basically the more easterly French resorts are going to see the most snow. The north-west resorts such as Morzine and Megeve will see the least amount of snow of the main French Alpine resorts, with just a dusting expected this week.


In AUSTRIA sunny and cold weather has also been prevailing over the last few days. The cold temperatures have again helped to preserve the snow, although some slopes are becoming very icy especially in the mornings.


Most of the resorts are in good shape, but the majority are forecasting no snow in the next week. The most westerly resorts such as St
Anton should get a little bit of snow over the next few days, but no more than 10cm. Mayrhofen should also see a little but further east, the resorts of Kitzbül
and Saalbach
are due to remain clear and sunny all week but cold temperatures should continue, and the same is true for most of Austria.


It has been a similar story for the SWISS RESORTS over the last few days; sunny and cold. There are good snow depths at all the resorts thanks to all the heavy early winter snowfalls that blessed the Alps, and the cold temperatures are preserving this.


Some snowfall is forecast across Switzerland this week, although most resorts will see just a few centimetres. The south-west resorts such as Zermatt and Saas Fee should get the most new snow with possibly as much as 30cm falling. Verbier
will benefit from a top up of snow but its likely to be just 10-15cm over the next few days. Other resorts such as Laax and Davos will see less than 10cm dusting their slopes.


The weather across most of Switzerland will be mixed in the next few days, but there should be some sunshine to enjoy. Either way, the continuing cold temperatures will ensure the large bases that have built up won't diminish.


ITALY has again seen sunny and cold weather in the past few days, with the resorts also living off the large bases that have built up so far this winter. The nest week should be a mixed bag across the Italian Alps. Everywhere should see a continuation of cold temperatures, although some resorts will enjoy plenty of sunshine while others will have the benefit of fresh snowfall. The north-west should see the most amount of snow. Sauze d Oulx in the Milky Way should enjoy about 20cm in the next few days. Livigno and Bormio could also see as much as 20cm. Further east, the Dolomites look like getting only a little snowfall; Cortina is expecting less than 10cm over the next few days.


Elsewhere in Europe, fresh snowfalls have been enjoyed recently in Bulgaria, Scotland and Norway. Borovets in Bulgaria has seen 15cm of new snow. Temperatures have been cold right across the continent. Resorts in Andorra have excellent snow depths and a little more fresh snow is expected this week.


The USA has enjoyed a lot of recent snowfall. Utah and Wyoming have enjoyed big snowfalls recently; Jackson Hole has a lot of snow now and is due to get more than half a metre more this week, while resorts in Utah like Snowbird received over 30cm on the weekend. Colorado resorts are forecast for mainly sunny weather this week, although the more northern resorts such as Steamboat could receive 30cm. Northwest USA has seen a lot of snow falling over the last week, up to 1m in places. The snowfall is set to continue with Mount Baker forecasting more than half a metre in the next few days. Oregon is enjoying similar good conditions. Eastern USA has been a lot warmer recently with some resorts experiencing rainfall. It was all short-lived, however, and winter weather has returned to the region. Some more snow is due for the next few days; Sugarloaf is forecast 15-25cm.


Western CANADA is enjoying fantastic snow at the moment. Some of the best snow can be found in Whistler which has seen around a metre fall in the last week, and should get another half metre in the next 3 days. Fernie has had almost half a metre over the last week with around 20cm coming on the next few days and it's a similar story in Big
White. As ever temperatures are cold in Canada so its perfect powder snow that's falling on the mountains and conditions are fantastic especially in the British Colombia resorts.


Enjoy the skiing wherever you are!

back to top