Storm of The Season Hits The Alps

A massive storm is currently hitting the Alps, the largest of the 24-25 ski season by some way.

Snow reporters are largely hunkered down at this point rather than measuring snow depths, but those that have managed to get 24 hour totals so far have included Verbier (75cm), Grindelwald and Val Cenis (65cm), La Thuile (60cm) and Andermatt (40cm).

The fast falling snow, coupled with torrential rain on low slopes has ratcheted up avalanche danger levels to their highest of the season, including a rare maximum level 5 on the scale top 5 in parts of the French Alps, widely "very high" level 4 everywhere else.

Skiers, hikers and anyone else heading outdoors are strongly advised to stay only on open slopes with authorities warning of the danger of strong avalanches down to valley floors. Skiing off piste is not advised in any circumstances.

Most ski areas that aren't amongst the 75%+ that have already ended their seasons, are fully or partially closed today anyway whilst the worst of the storm blows through. The 3 Valleys reports limited terrain open but hopes connections between valleys may open around lunchtime. Verbier says no runs will open until at least 10.30am

Many roads are closed at present too including roads up to ski areas from Bourg St Maurice and the Tarentaise Valley.

However as skies clear and conditions improve over the last few days of the week this could all mean good powder up high for the Easter Weekend.

More amazing numbers for past 24 hour snowfall now coming in... Val d'Isere 120cm, Tignes 105cm, Les Menuires 100cm.

Here in Canton Valais we are experiencing what is probably the worst snow storm since 1976. Due to the heavy snowfall the Valais State Council has declared a "special situation". We have been advised to stay indoors, if we must go out we should avoid walking near trees (the trees are heavily laden with snow so there is danger from falling branches) and avoid driving. There are extensive road and railway closures, Saas Fee and Zermatt are cut off. There are also extensive power cuts, all the ski lifts are closed as are the schools, libraries and museums.

The authorities have requested that people who had planned to travel to Valais for the Easter holidays postpone their arrival by one day.

Thanks for the update. Seeing there's now a mandatory 'stay indoors' order for Tignes for much of today too.