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J2Ski Snow Report 29th March 2018
Snow forecast to fall by Easter Monday, graphic from Ventusky And still it snows... continuing in The Alps and western USA and now starting in the southern hemisphere too. J2Ski Snow Report 29th March 2018 This Week's Snow Headlines - It's snowing again in the Alps; with more forecast. - Orange snow falls in eastern Europe. - More snow in western North America. - World's deepest snow base may hit 7m mark this weekend. - More snow in Scotland and all areas open for Easter. - First snowfalls of 2018 reported for Australia and New Zealand. It's been a mostly sunny week in the Alps since our last report, bit it is now snowing (again). It's not clear how excited Europe's ski areas are about all this fresh snow - most are trying to give an image of sunny slopes and relaxed springtime fun rather than one of a return to winter! Base depths at many areas are at their deepest levels in years and it's unusual for them still to be growing as we enter April. Several French resorts including Flaine, Avoriaz and La Rosiere look like they might hit the 5m mark shortly, whilst Engelberg in Switzerland may reach 7m with the forecast snow. Across the Atlantic it has kept snowing in the West of the continent, albeit with not quite the volumes as we saw earlier in March. There are a few interesting snow stories to tell too – including Portugal's one ski area Serra de Estrela being closed due to too much snow at the weekend and orange snow falling across much of Eastern Europe as fine sand blown across from African dust storms got mixed up with snow clouds in the area's upper atmosphere. In the Alpine Forecast The week ahead, through Easter and in to the start of April, looks decidedly snowy. In fact the snowfall has already started in the Western Alps and is forecast to continue until early next week. Although big accumulations (perhaps as much as 50cm in some places) are possible on higher slopes, most ski areas are expected to get 5-15cm daily; but that could add up to a metre of new snow at some resorts by this time next week. 
See where it's expected to snow this week...
EUROPEAN ALPS Austria There's an increasingly snowy picture to the Austrian Alps in the run up to the Easter weekend. After a sunny weekend it started to turn snowy on Tuesday and some areas have already clocked up 10-20cm of snowfall, with resorts on the western side of the country seeing the most fresh snowfall so far. The snow is expected to keep falling through the remainder of this week but perhaps only another 10-20cm for most areas, although the Arlberg is expecting more than a foot (30cm) by Easter Sunday. Base depths remain good across the country – the deepest 5.5m on the Dachstein glacier but most areas have 2m plus on upper slopes. A lot of lower Austrian resorts close after the first one or two weeks of April so it's likely they'll end their seasons on a snowy high this year. France The snow is already falling in France after a sunny weekend there, forecasters are predicting more than a metre will have arrived at some higher areas like Avoriaz by Monday which looks set to take it and possibly several others past a remarkable 5m/15 feet. Chamonix is forecast to get the most snow with as much as 60cm (two feet) in 48 hours this week. But snow conditions are good pretty well everywhere for the start of April in the French Alps with almost all areas reporting the snow lying at least 2m deep up top, and there was even more fresh snow down in the French Pyrenees last week. Italy Italy has had a sunny week but here too the snowfall is arriving and up to 50cm of snow is forecast by Easter weekend, with the biggest accumulations expected in Central and Western Italy at ski areas like Passo Rolle and Passo Tonale. Madonna di Campiglio and Cervinia are two of the bigger resorts in the country's top five for spring 2018 snow depth, both at around 3.9m (13 feet) and with both having 20-30cm of new snow in the forecast it's looking like one or both will hit and pass the 4m snow depth mark by the weekend. It's currently looking snowier in Italy towards the end of this week right across the country with Cortina forecast to get 60cm of snow by the end of Saturday for example. Switzerland As mentioned in the introduction it's possible that Engelberg will reach a 7m upper slope base depth if the snow piles up as expected through the rest of this week. Certainly the snow is now dumping again in Switzerland with many areas reporting 10-30cm of fresh cover in the past 48 hours. Although Engelberg takes the headlines with its huge base up on the Titlis glacier (Which is open in to May), most other major Swiss areas have very deep snowpacks too, which are in most cases the deepest for many years. Saas Fee, Andermatt and Laax are all at around the five metres mark. Snow should keep falling ion Switzerland too through the Easter weekend. Eastern Europe The ski season in Eastern Europe is starting to wind down with some lower elevation areas set to close after the Easter weekend. Bansko in Bulgaria says it will be open a further fortnight until April 15th. It reports 30 centimetres of fresh snow in the past few days and its base at around 2.5 metres on upper slopes. Scotland It's been a remarkably consistent ski season across Highland Scotland's five hills. No huge snow falls but a gradual building of bases and most remarkably, few major thaws and few violent storms enabling all areas to open pretty much all of their terrain, pretty much all season long – that's very unusual. The good news is it's looking great for the Easter holidays too, with some fresh snow and everywhere open. Temperatures are getting warmer in the afternoon but so far there's been no serious thawing of the 40-60cm bases. Pyrenees The temperatures have been climbing up closer to freezing and low positive temperatures in Andorra as spring begins to be spring at last, although there was still a little fresh snow on Monday. It's looking good for the final (Easter) weeks of the season with all runs open and all lifts operating across the mountains. Forecasts are also predicting up to 30cm of fresh snow by the weekend too. There was more snow on the French side of the Pyrenees in the last week and more big falls elsewhere in Spain where Sierra Nevada has now officially extended its season in to May. Scandinavia Sunshine and (sometimes quite substantial) snow showers in Scandinavia – Voss, for example, has had nearly 40cm of fresh snow in the first half of this week. So Scandinavian ski areas – where it's now daylight until 9pm already, are also in good shape for Easter and April skiing. Bases are now up to 3.8m (nearly 13 feet) in Western Norway. North America Canada More big snowfalls for western Canada with up to 45cm of fresh snow reported in the past 72 hours. Most ski resorts in the area will close on either the 8th or 15th of April so we're into the 2017-18 season end game here, but it should be quite a good end with bases lying at the 2.5-5m base depth mark in Alberta and BC and still more fresh snow falling. The days are longer too and the temperature climbing from their super-lows of January and February. No fresh snow of note and nothing in the forecast on Canada's east after a mostly snowy March but bases here, typically 50-150cm, should see them through. Of course not all Canadian ski areas close by mid-April – Marmot Basin, whistler, Lake Louise and Sunshine are amongst those staying open in to May. USA More big snowfalls in Western USA this week with ski areas in California, Colorado and Utah reporting up to 50cm of fresh snow in the first half of this week. Mt Baker in Washington state is closing in again on Engelberg for that 'deepest snow in the world' title, it too has more than 6m/20 feet lying. Time is running out, as in Canada, for many US area though with closing day for the season only a week or two away for the majority, although it seems likely many in California as well as areas like Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Snowbird in Utah will make the most of the late snowfall by staying open in to May or beyond. Over in the east not much fresh snowfall in the last seven days and classic spring skiing is the order of the day. |
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J2Ski Snow Report 22nd March 2018
Sierra Nevada, Spain, which will be open into May this year... J2Ski Snow Report 22nd March 2018 Yet more March snow for California, and Europe, as winter continues. This Week's Snow Headlines - Still more huge snowfalls in California - one resort claims 5m of snow this month. - Snow in the Pyrenees - another 20-40cm at several ski areas. - Bigger snowfalls in western Spain. - Base depths still climbing in the Alps, deepest base reported at 6.5 metres. - Strong winds lead to some temporary slope closures and increase avalanche risk. It should be Spring, but mother nature is still very much in winter mode; with plenty more snow this week in the Alps, the Pyrenees and Scandinavia - and low temperatures most of the time too. Across the Atlantic she's even more determined to keep winter going with what they're calling the 'March Miracle' - massive and continuing snowfalls after a largely warm dry winter up to March 1st. Strong winds have been a factor at ski areas across Europe over the past week. Some areas in the Alps were closed on certain days over the weekend and parts of the world Cup Finals due to be staged in Are, Sweden, including the Men's slalom, were also cancelled due to the strong winds. These conditions have also been a factor in the avalanche risk level going higher in some areas, typically from level 2 to level 3 ("considerable") on the scale which goes up to a maximum of 5. One interesting snowfall factor that has gone unnoticed by some snow observers are huge snowfalls at little ski areas in northern and western Spain all through March, with some of these clocking up 90cm more snow in the past few days, the most on the continent. Ski resorts in the area are saying these are the biggest snowfalls there for a generation with lifts and buildings buried in drifts. The week ahead looks like bringing still more snow in Europe and North America and with Easter only a week away it's looking like this will be one of the best in terms of snow cover almost everywhere for many years. In the Alpine Forecast The current cool and clear weather across much of The Alps will continue for a few more days, before temperatures move toward more Spring-like averages in about a weeks time. The outlook is very uncertain beyond that time - could go cold, could go warm - but it does look as if the first week of April will bring un-settled weather and a fair amount of precipitation. Avalanche and Off-Piste Risk Widely varying temperatures, and abundant snow, means the avalanche risk remains extremely complex; so always take local advice before leaving marked runs; have fun but stay safe! 
See where it's expected to snow this week...
EUROPEAN ALPS Austria There's been fresh snow in Austria over the past few days with up to 25cm of fresh snow on higher slopes. The Stubai and Pitztal glaciers reported the biggest accumulations along with the Ski Jewel region (Alpbach and Wildschonau) but many areas have received 5-15cm. A lot of lower Austrian ski areas will close in 2-3 weeks after Easter but this season most could stay open longer as almost all have at least 2m of snow on upper slopes. At lower elevations it's more of a mixed picture with some ski areas only having only 15-30cm of snow down at resort level (Brand, Badgastein, Solden), whilst others still have a metre or more (Galtur, Obergurgl, Obertauern). France Remarkably, bases are still building in France and ever more of the big high-altitude resorts have passed the 4m base-depth mark with Avoriaz and other Portes du Soleil Resorts topping the table at 4.8 metres, La Rosiere not far behind on 4.7m and the Grand Massif region around Flaine at 4.6m. The bases are growing thanks to more fresh snow in the past seven days, particularly at the weekend and end of last week. French resorts are also showing very big base depths at the bottom of the slopes still in most cases, at least a metre and in some cases over 2 metres. There are exceptions – a few traditional village like Sixt are down to 15cm but even Morzine has 60cm at resort level still, so it's looking good for Easter and April. The biggest snowfall in the past few days has however been down in the Pyrenees where around a foot of fresh snow has fallen. Italy Italy's ski areas have seen some of the biggest snowfall in Europe of the past week, with up to 41cm reported in the last three days at one small area. The snowfall has been low to moderate so no fast build ups of base depths and it has been patchy with some areas getting 30-40cm over a few days, others nearby only half that, but it has also been widespread with ski areas from the Western alps to the eastern Dolomites and down the Apennines all posting fresh snowfall numbers. Here too, the numbers are looking impressive for spring skiing with many Italian areas reporting 3-4m bases and Cervinia, as usual, which is open for nearly two more months, has one of the deepest bases in the country and says the snow is still lying 2.2m (over six feet) deep at resort level (over 4m up top) so the long verticals down from the Klein Matterhorn are looking secure right to the end of the season this year. Switzerland Switzerland has had another missed week with lots of fresh snow at times, along with some sunny days, some cloudy but dry. Strong winds have been a factor here too and it's in Switzerland that the avalanche danger level has been creeping up, partly as a result of that. So for example Arosa reported 25cm of snows in the 24 hours to Monday, Melchsee-Feruitt the same amount in the 24 hours top Tuesday and so it goes on – most of Switzerland getting small to moderate snowfalls with the occasional spot getting so much in a day it creeps over the 20cm mark to trigger a powder alarm. Engelberg still has the world's deepest snow base after another 20cm of snow – at 660cm (22 feet). Eastern Europe It's looking fairly good in Eastern Europe as Easter nears. There's been a little fresh snow at Bansko in Bulgaria in the past few days and forecasters expect a foot of fresh snow may fall there and at other areas like Borovets by the end of the week. Some ski areas in other countries like the Czech Republic are also reporting good sporting skiing conditions although here too there have been strong winds causing issues in recent days. Scotland It's still looking good for Easter on Scottish ski slopes with all five centres still open and all with most of their lifts operating and runs accessible. There are the usual weather provisos – there was limited terrain open at Cairngorm at the weekend as strong winds and drifting snow hampered operations but the start of this week has seen a return to perfect blue sky, no wind Scottish ski days. Pyrenees The Pyrenees still have good snow depths moving in to spring with the ski resorts in Andorra fully open with bases at around the 2m mark still on upper runs. The biggest snowfalls reported in recent days have been on the French side of the mountains where up to 25cm of new snow fell in 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday this week. Scandinavia There's been a return to snowier conditions in Norway this week with several ski centres reporting 20-40cm of fresh snow since the weekend and most at least 10cm. It's not all good news though as weekend weather at the region's biggest resort, Are in Sweden, was too windy for the World Cup finals planned to take place there. North America Canada The start of spring is often a great time to be on Canadian slopes as the long dark nights and double digit sub-zero temperatures tend to give way to long days, warmer temperatures but still the deep bases that have built up through the winter. It's early days but in most areas Spring 2018 is looking good. Massif du Sud in Quebec is actually posting the deepest base in Canada, and the world, a 666cm but we think they may be loading the numbers wrong as they're also saying they've had 6.9 metres if snowfall since the start of the season, and bases aren't usually the same as the amount that has fallen from the sky. That said it does look VERY snowy there still and it's one of the places to report a big snowfall at the end of last week, clocking up another 60cm. Mostly though the deepest bases are on the week with 2.5 – 4.5m the norm, good for the last month or two of the season there. USA The US has been enjoying what they're calling 'March miracle" snow storms on both East and west Coasts after a lacklustre Dec-Feb on the west and a warm Feb after a good start on the East. All the new snow has transformed conditions on both sides of the country with ski areas re-opening in the East and looking forward to several months of spring skiing in the West. Squaw Valley reports 5 metres of snowfall so far this month and says that is a little ahead of the record breaking January 2017 accumulations. There have been a few dry days since the weekend but more huge snowfalls are forecast for the latter half of this week. |
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Europe's southernmost ski resort, Sierra Nevada, has extended its ski season by a week to run until May 6th 2018.
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PR from Les Arcs...
SPRING SKIING AND SLACKLINING IN LES ARCS Spring is in the air in the mountain villages of Les Arcs, which boasts 425km of runs up to 3250m as part of the Paradiski area. Many mountain resorts celebrate the arrival of Spring with a packed schedule of events comprising concerts, games, entertainment and parties on the slopes. But only Les Arcs has the Winter Festislack. An amazing festival celebrating Slacklinng! 
But what is Slacklining? The High Line The Slackline, a piece of webbing usually between 2-5cm wide, is attached between two points or in the case of Les Arcs, two peaks at altitude and then daredevils walk across them. Members of the public can watch the Slackliners and marvel at the skill and balance of these high- flying athletes. This spectacle takes place during the Easter holidays, 6-8 April, at the top of Mont Blanc chairlift, in Les Deux Têtes - Arc 1600 and showcases the very best Slackliners from around the globe. The Trick Line - Sunday 8 April, 14-18.00 hrs Tricklining will be showcased in Miravidi place - Arc 1800- here Slackliners will perform dynamic tricks and jumps, similar to those performed on a trampoline. Get fit, get on a Slackline - Sunday 8 April, 14-18.00 hrs The benefits of Slacklining include improved balance and a strengthened core. Members of the public wanting to have a go should head to Les Deux Têtes in Arc 1600, where a tuition area will get wanna-be 'Slackers' up and on a line - close to the ground! There is also the chance to learn Acroyoga. More Spring Activities For those that don't have a head for heights there are many other activities taking place across the villages of Les Arcs this Spring including: Mondays: The great toboggan run Tuesdays: Waterslide and big air bag 24-31 March - British Celebration Week A week of activities to acknowledge the Brits at altitude with a guest appearance from Olympian and X Games the British Snowboarding legend Jenny Jones. 30 March-2 April - Festigloo An electro music Festival with 9 live DJs performing every afternoon, from 11-16.00 hrs in front of the Igloo village – Arc 2000 4-5 April - X speed ski race Marvel at the skiers and boarders as they depart from the Bulle Cafe. 5 April - Electronic Peak Festival The inaugural electronic music festival will take place in the resort of Arc 1800 at the Bernard Taillefer centre and features celebrity DJs including Teki Latex and Piu Piu. 6-8 April - John Doe Session Riders are invited to try the banked slalom course and to participate in the freestyle sessions at the Apocalypse Snowpark in Arc 1600. 19 April - The Ride'n Golf Skiing golfers can enjoy a round of nine holes in snow. 28 April - Last Tracks Get a free lift pass if you ski in your best 80s gear! #Best Season Ever This is without doubt one of the best winter seasons in decades and this Spring will be epic as a result. These are the current snow levels in the villages of Les Arc and mother nature just keeps on giving. Depth of snow on the slopes Top of L'Aiguille Rouge: 3.85 metres Arc 2000: 3.13 metres Arc 1800: 1.50 metres Arc 1600: 1.50 metres |
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Small Swedish Ski Area to Become International Destination Ski Resort
Started by User in Ski News, 1 Reply |
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It's not every day we hear of a new airport being built in the mountains!
More about the airport can be found at scandinavianmountains.se but it does look ideally located...  |
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PR just in from Arc 1950; which is looking like it could be a fun place to end the season?
Photo (c) Andy Parant They're running the following events over the next few weeks :-
ACCOMMODATION SPECIAL OFFER Springtime also means special offers. Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 is offering a 20% reduction on your accommodation between 7 - 28 April, 2018. Book your holiday straight away on our website www.arc1950.com |
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Very likely! La Balme is the area that keeps the snow late, and is almost always good skiing until the lifts close at the end of the season. The other areas have more south-facing slopes and get their melt on much earlier so keep an eye on the temperatures. If it does stay cool, the Beauregard is a great area for beginners/early skiers - with very mellow slopes off a sunny plateau. As of today, the forecast models are all over the place for the start of April. There is lots of snow currently on the ground but Spring can come fast! For location; being either in the main town or along the Route des Confins will let you hop on the ski bus up to La Balme; 10 minute ride and regular. You can ski back to town from La Balme (unless ALL the snow in the valley has melted by then) or get the bus. There are quite a few self-catered places (try HomeAway?) and you might find a deal from one of the many hotels (look on Booking.Com) as the last week or two of the season can be very quiet. |
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