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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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