Long range snow forecasts?

I'd like to plan a trip this January but need some guidance on where to go. The Swiss Alps would work well for me, but I'd prefer to avoid them there's not likely to be much snow on the slopes. What's a good source for long range snow forecasts?

tameware wrote:What's a good source for long range snow forecasts?

There isn't one - or we'd use it! 8)

In January you'd have to be pretty unlucky to have no snow, but your best bet - if you are worried - is to wait until nearer the time before booking.

ANY forecast beyond a week is unreliable and likely to change, and anyone who tells you or claims otherwise is simply wrong.

Follow our forecasts here, and read our weekly round-up; we try and give an overview of any major trends in the models.

But Switzerland in January? Yep, you'll be alright. :D

What Admin said.

Hi could you please let me know the probability of snow in Val Thorens in the first week of December

Macben wrote:Hi could you please let me know the probability of snow in Val Thorens in the first week of December

See the above answer. It's highly likely (based only on the fact that's the highest ski area in Europe) but check the forecasts from mid-November onward; we won't know before that.

Macben. It'll be a howling gale and peeing with rain.

As admin said there is no such thing as long range weather forecasts, or at least no scientifically based ones - there are always charlatans who will peddle all sorts of forecasting models ("it'll be a bad winter because the crows are facing East" sort of thing). So if you are looking for guidance, you could look at historical snow levels for the time of year in the resort you are considering, though this is no guarantee for this year.

If you are going early, then the advice would probably be to go high where the likelihood of good snow is much improved. But be aware that there is no shelter in the higher resorts and they can suffer more in bad weather. The lower resorts are well aware of this and many of them have invested heavily in snowmaking capability - they will generally be able to open to the entire resort by early January.

For most of us who have to book flights months in advance, we do not have the luxury and waiting to see if conditions will be good - you just have to take a punt and hope conditions are reasonable.

dobby wrote:Macben. It'll be a howling gale and peeing with rain.

No, that'll be England! :lol: