Messages posted by : admin
Stubai Glacier were late opening the lifts today, after a metre of snow overnight... Major snow storms for the West Coast, USA and continued heavy snow in parts of the Alps and the Dolomites; with more to come. The Snow Headlines - March 7th - Huge snowfalls for US West Coast ski areas, especially California; over 3m/10 feet for some. - Pyrenees have most terrain open of 23-24 season after 1m plus snowfalls. - Western Canada enjoys best conditions of 2024 after resorts see 1m+ 7-day snowfall totals - Much more snowfall in the Alps. Some resorts get over a metre more snowfall this week. - Avalanche risk hits Level 4 in a number of areas, some completely closed due to danger. 
There's more snow forecast for Europe and elsewhere...
World Overview The biggest snowfall news worldwide this week comes from the huge storm that moved in from the Pacific, leading to "do not travel" warnings, power blackouts, 180mph winds and over 3m/10 feet of snowfall for some over four days - and leaving the El Nino hit region with North America's deepest lying snow. Other parts of the Western US saw 1metre / 3 feet+ snow over 7 days too, particularly welcome in the Northwest. In Europe, the snow kept falling in the Alps, in some cases more than expected, with several areas in the main four ski nations seeing over a metre of snowfall more this week. It's tipped the avalanche danger to 4 on the scale of 5 in some areas with Obergurgl one of those completely closed at the time of writing because of it. Elsewhere, The Pyrenees have had snowfall too and are in the best shape they've been all winter with (nearly) everything open at last. Scottish ski areas are still struggling with not enough snow though and more southerly Scandinavian areas saw the first rainfall of their season. Europe Austria Austrian ski areas continue to reap the rewards - in terms of fresh snow and deeper bases to lower levels, as well as renewed freeriding opportunities - from the heavy snowfalls in the final week of February. But most of the country's ski areas have also seen more snowfalls over the first week of March, with more big falls; the Stubai glacier among those reporting another metre plus accumulation. It, and others like Obergurgl, were among those completely closed by high avalanche danger at the time of writing this report. The country's big areas like the Skiwelt, Saalbach Skicircus and the Arlberg remain 80-95% open and half-a-dozen Austrian areas (including the Arlberg) as well as glaciers like the Kaunertal and Stubai, have base depths up near 4 metres - with their seasons expected to continue into May and in some cases June. More springlike conditions, with snow showers on higher slopes, are forecast. France French resorts saw perhaps a little more snowfall than forecast over the last week, particularly in the first half of this week when some 60cm 24-hour totals were reported for areas including Val Cenis and Val d'Isere. With other smaller falls through the week, it pushed the 7-day totals through the metre mark. Most areas remain fully open and snow conditions are being claimed as the best of the season so far with so much fresh cover on the groomed runs as well as lots of freeriding potential from the off-piste powder. The avalanche danger is widely at Level 3, Considerable, so there are warnings to only go off-piste with a guide and/or on areas known to be avalanche-safe. Alpe d'Huez continues to post the world's deepest snow at 4.8m (16 feet) up top. It's looking drier through the weekend with more snowfall forecast next week. Italy Italy has had a good week for snowfall too, with 30-60cm accumulations posted in many areas right across the country's ski slopes. Everywhere is pretty much fully open with fresh cover on slopes and again, the best freeriding possible of 2024 so far. The huge Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski areas on the French border have seen some of the biggest accumulations of the past week and reached a 3 metre (10 feet) base on its upper slopes having struggled earlier in the season. Snowfall is expected to continue across Italy into next week with more heavy falls expected. Switzerland Swiss ski centres have seen more snowfalls over the last seven days and Switzerland is the only European nation to have ski areas posting 4m+ bases on upper slope depths, outside of France. Among the more noteworthy snowfall totals this week were 90cm in 72 hours (i.e. three feet in three days), then another metre in the latter half of the week for Saas Fee. The past week we've seen a mixture of sunny spells and moderate to heavy snow showers, boosting freeride terrain. It's also cooler than it was for much of February. But springlike freeze-thaw weather is gradually gaining its grip as we move further into March. Western Switzerland will see more snowfall after a dry weekend, the east of the country staying drier longer. Scandinavia Scandinavia's superb season for low temps and fresh snow has been derailed a little, at least at more southerly destinations in the region, with warm weather, rain and fog rather than the powder reported all winter. Things remain good, with lower temperatures now, but it's not been the best of weeks in parts of Norway. Lapland, on the other hand, has reported everything still below freezing, the snow light and powdery! Pyrenees The snow has kept falling in the Pyrenees, finally, with many areas now having posted more than a metre over the past two weeks, much more than they'd seen in the previous three weeks. So most areas have finally been able to open nearly all of their slopes for the first time this season. The snow should keep falling through the weekend so the final month of the 23-24 season should be far, far better than the first three-quarters of it was. Scotland Sadly there's not been much improvement in Scottish snow cover. Conditions have been fairly settled with just a few windy days and some snow showers, but not enough. Cairngorm has about a fifth of its runs open if you want to hike up to the open section with the funicular out of action. The Lecht and Glenshee are little more than nursery slopes open still. Glencoe has about the most runs available, about a third of its terrain, but has warned demand doesn't really justify running the lifts they are operating at present. Nevis Range remains unable to offer snowsports. Eastern Europe Some snowfall up high in Bulgaria but the spring thaw definitely seems to be well set in across Eastern Europe with base depths thinning fairly rapidly and the amount of open terrain at the main areas starting to drop too. Most of the big-name areas like Jasna, Borovets and Zakopane still have 60-70% of their slopes open though, smaller lower centres have ended their seasons. North America Canada It has been one of the best weeks of the season in Western Canada with a number of ski areas posting another metre of snowfall on top of some decent accumulations last week. Temperatures have also stayed low so essentially it's a return to normal service after months of unusually warm and dry (or wet) weather. Whistler Blackcomb picked up an 83cm accumulation in three days through the weekend to reach a 2.5-metre base and its most open terrain of the season – around 90%. USA A massive four-day snowstorm that hit California from the Pacific lived up to expectations with storm totals of up to 3.2 metres (at Sugar Bowl) of snow, meaning the continent's deepest snow is now in California, with Mammoth Mountain moving to top spot at 4.4 metres. The snow didn't float down gently but was driven in by winds gusting at up to 180 mph which left some areas scoured and huge drifts in others. Things have now settled down though, with terrain reopening and skiers warned of the dangers of tree wells. There was plenty of snowfall elsewhere in the West too with resorts in the Rockies getting several feet of snow and those up in the Pacific Northwest some of the best of the season so far. It's not such a great picture on the East Coast though with dry weather and some warm temperatures again, so bases remain very thin here, although most centres are still managing to keep 60-90% of their slopes open. The coming week will see more snow showers in the west, though not as heavy as the last seven days. |
|
Late Season 2024 packages from Ski Solutions
Started by Admin in Ski Deals and Competitions, discussing Tignes and Val d'Isère |
|
|
Late-season skiing: Where to head for a snow-sure trip with Ski Solutions
Although the ski season is well underway, there is still plenty of time to hit the slopes for a snow-sure getaway before it comes to an end. As the weather warms up and the slopes get quieter, late-season skiing is the perfect opportunity to make the most of a trip to the mountains. Ian McIlrath, Managing Director of Ski Solutions comments:
Below, we have rounded up a range of high-altitude resorts for those final ski trips of the 2023/24 season on behalf of Ski Solutions. Val d'Isère, France - Ski Holidays One of the world's favourite ski resorts, Val d'Isère, has the longest winter in the Alps with the ski season continuing into late May making the resort snow-sure and great for all ages and abilities. Val d'Isère has access to the best all-round ski area in the world, Espace Killy, with more than 300km of piste-skiing and plenty of off-piste powder fields. For those looking for activities off the slopes, guests can get their adrenaline pumping with BMW ice driving, dog sledding, and winter walking. For social butterflies, the après-ski scene in Val d'Isère is world class and varied after being introduced to the slopes in the 80s. 
No 1 Bellevarde The perfect choice for a family or group of friends, No 1 Bellevarde is situated on the edge of Santons piste, meaning guests can ski-in and ski-out of the property, maximising time spent on the slopes. This slopeside chalet oozes character and rustic charm, with an open fireplace and floor to ceiling windows. The chalet also benefits from a hot tub with aerial views. HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at No 1 Bellevarde on a chalet board basis priced from £1,000 per person departing 15 April 2024, including transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 3504 2091 Tignes, France - Ski Holidays Purpose built to ensure skiers could wake up as close to the pistes as possible, there is a wealth of ski-in ski-out accommodation available in Tignes. Sitting at a high resort altitude, Tignes is a great option for late-season skiing and offers a variety of slopes as well as access to high-altitude glacial runs on the Grande Motte Glacier. The ski area also links up with Val d'Isère, which gives skiers even more access to unparalleled skiing. 
Hotel Le Levanna Built in a wooden and stone-chalet style, this hotel offers an authentic Alpine experience right on the slopes. Transport times to the slopes are minimal thanks to the ski-in ski-out nature of Hotel Le Levanna. Set amidst snow-peaked mountains and at just a short walk from the resort centre, the hotel's location is second-to-none. Boasting its own restaurant and bar, Hotel Le Levanna has everything needed for a great late-season trip. HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Hotel Le Levanna on a half board basis priced from £1,845 per person departing 13 April 2024, including flights and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 3504 2091 Myrkdalen, Norway - Ski Holidays Myrkdalen is the largest ski resort in western Norway and one of the most snow-sure in Europe, extending the ski season to the start of May with an average snowfall of five metres. Ideal for families, Myrkdalen is a child friendly resort with quiet, wide peaks and designated family friendly ski areas. While the resort has ample ski schools and activities for children, the varied pistes are also great for avid skiers. A stay in Myrkdalen is also a great opportunity to visit the fjords to see the majestic mountains. 
Myrkdalen Hotel Perfect for skiers looking to spend as much time as possible on the slopes, Hotel Myrkdalen is in a great location for a ski-in ski-out trip. The hotel's modern architecture is perfectly combined with Alpine charm and includes many amazing facilities to enjoy after a day on the slopes, including three varied restaurants and two bars. HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Myrkdalen Hotel on a half board basis priced from £1,395 per person departing 17 March 2024, including flights and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 3504 2091 Cervinia, Italy - Ski Holidays Cervinia is a popular pick for skiing due to its high altitude and great snow record. Not only does the resort offer its own superb skiing, but it is also connected to Zermatt, in neighbouring Switzerland. Between both Cervinia and Zermatt, these two resorts cover all types of skiers' needs, with plenty of blue and red runs in Cervinia, and a wealth of off-piste runs and more challenging terrain in Zermatt. Evenings in Cervinia provide a lively atmosphere amongst the town's many bars and restaurants, with plenty of picturesque streets to stroll around. 
Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Located at the foot of the Matterhorn in Cervinia, this hotel provides skiers with access to an extensive ski domain stretching over Italy and Switzerland. While traditional in style, this modern hotel has a great spa and gym, as well as two restaurants and a ski rental service. HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay at Valtur Cervinia Cristallo on a bed and breakfast basis priced from £1,445 per person departing 13 April 2024, including flights and private transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 3504 2091 Ski Solutions Ski Solutions is Britain's original specialist ski travel agency and tailor-made tour operator and have been arranging ski holidays for more than 35 years to Europe and North America. Ski Solutions work with the finest chalets, hotels and apartments in the mountains and with access to the full ski market, they can tailor-make the perfect holiday. Offering total flexibility, their ski experts can find the best solution for their clients, whether that's a luxury seven-night escape, a ski weekend or a long-haul, multi-destination trip. |
|
|
Winter has piled snow into Europe and North America this week, with more expected, to setup March very nicely for some great skiing this Spring.
Palisades Tahoe, California will have Alpine closed today (1st March) due to abundant snow! Where to Ski in March 2024 March marks the start of springtime, first by the meteorological measure of the seasons on the 1st, then the astronomical measure on the 20th. It usually marks the final full month of the ski season for most ski areas, some lower lying ones not making it to the end of the month, other higher or more northerly ones continuing right through April too. This year (as last) springtime is arriving with more of a wintery feel in the Alps than we had for much of actual winter. The final week of February brought colder temperatures and the biggest snowfalls of 2024 to date. But we can still expect more freeze-thaw conditions through the month to increasingly high altitudes. Elsewhere in the skiing world, Scandinavia is looking good for March skiing in 2024 having been one of the few places to report a consistently cold and snowy season all winter. The Pyrenees, by contrast, are continuing to battle a warm and dry one. Eastern Europe has decent snow up high and Scotland's centres are, as usual, on a knife edge, with little open as we start the month but with the potential to quickly open much more if things go the right way. Most North American areas begin the month in the best shape they've been all season after great February snowfalls for all but the Northwest corner of the continent which continues to struggle with warm and dry weather. Europe Austria Austria's ski areas got a big boost in the final week of February with heavy snowfall down to low levels. This had the twin benefits of greatly improving the 'tired' state of the snow piled up on valley runs, and providing a great powder boost to high altitude terrain up on the country's glaciers, four of which are now reporting the snow lying more than 3 metres/10 feet deep as we start March. In fact some of Austria's big, but relatively low altitude ski areas like the Skiwelt, have March as the last month of their season, due to shut down the slopes on 1st April, so its extra good news that they've had a boost. France French resorts have been posting the world's deepest snowpacks all winter and although the numbers stalled for much of January and February as the snowfalls paused and temperatures rose, the final week of February saw the biggest falls of 2024 so far, bolstering cover by up to a metre ahead of the spring ski period. So French resorts start March in great shape, at least with the proviso you book an area with plenty of terrain above 1800m altitude. Although there was snow down to the valley floor over the last weekend of February, the issue of warm temperatures on lower slopes hasn't gone away and those falls didn't change things for more than a few days. In any case this is March so snowlines are rising even in a normal season, whatever one of those is. Italy Like the rest of the Alps, Italy saw its biggest snowfalls of 2024 in the last week of February, with resorts here too reporting up to a metre of snowfall through the last six days of the month. The snowfall was heaviest in the northwest of the country, but there's been significant snowfall in the Dolomites too. As all of Italy's bigger, northern areas were fully open already, more or less, the new snow has simply secured the slopes for March skiing and beyond. Of course, the usual rule of the best spring snow being on higher terrain applies as every March, along with the likelihood that freeze-thaw conditions will increasingly be the norm to ever higher elevations as the month progresses. Switzerland Swiss slopes also saw some big snowfalls at the end of February, setting the country's ski areas up well for March skiing. Davos, St Moritz and the Aletsch Arena were among the centres posting cumulative totals of up to a metre in the final 7 days of February, with some Swiss centres getting around a metre. Laax has the country's deepest snow at 3.8 metres while Verbier and the 4 Valleys start the month with almost every kilometre of their 410km of slopes open. So all in all things are looking good and almost all Swiss resorts plan to stay open well into April and in a few cases (Murren, Zermatt etc) into May. Pyrenees It has been one of the worst ever seasons in the Pyrenees, unfortunately, with warm temperatures the norm all winter, plenty of sunshine and not much snowfall. December and January were the warmest on record in the region. But the final week of February has seen a huge snowfall with some centres posting over a metre - more snowfall than they'd seen through the previous three months combined, meaning they start March with plenty of powder and almost all their terrain open for the first time this season. Scandinavia Scandinavia has always come into its own in the springtime and 2024 is looking like it could be more true than ever after Finland, Norway and Sweden saw some great snowfalls and continuing cold weather through February to start the month in excellent shape. Europe's most northerly ski area, Riksgransen, in the Swedish Arctic circle, opened for its 2024 season at the end of last month, and even with daylight hours now increasing, it's still hard to believe lucky skiers and boarders will be sliding under the midnight sun there in just over two months' time. Eastern Europe Ski areas across eastern Europe have been battling warm temperatures all winter, managing to build bases of about a metre on their higher runs – the bigger centres at least, but not able to maintain much cover at lower levels. So it looks like it will be sunny spring skiing in Bulgaria and Romania, perhaps cooler in the Czech and Slovak Republic. As we start the month, Slovakia's Jasana and Bulgaria's Bansko, the two biggest in the region, are both about 80% open. Scotland Scottish centres have not really fully launched their 23-24 seasons as yet and whether there will be a big snowfall that allows them to open more terrain in March remains to be seen. Unfortunately though, much of the season it has been just beginner areas, maintained by all-weather snowmaking systems, that have been able to open, although there have been periods when Glencoe, Glenshee and Cairngorm have been able to open 25-50% of their terrain during rare cold, calm, snowy periods. North America Canada Canada has not had a season to remember so far, not for the right reasons anyway. To be fair it has not been that bad on the inland eastern half of British Columbia, nor in Alberta, where most centres are 80-100% open, its western BC on the Pacific coast that continues to struggle with warm weather and not much snowfall leaving smaller, lower areas either completely closed or with just a fraction of their slopes open. March isn't looking like it'll be much better at this point. On the east conditions are about the best they've been after a cold February, with most areas almost fully open. USA US ski areas are posting their best conditions of the 23-24 season so far as we start March, with resorts in the Rockies and in California in the west having posted up to 10 feet of snowfall in February building bases to 3 metres or more and leaving every slope open. The only real exception is the Pacific Northwest corner where there's not much snow and not a lot open after temperatures have stayed warm and what precipitation there's been has often been warm all season long. There is a huge snow storm currently moving in right along the Pacific coast that may bring over 3 metre (ten feet) snow totals by 3rd March in places. On the East Coast it's been a second winter of limited snowfalls and spells of warm highs causing fast thaws or bringing rain to the snow every few weeks. So bases aren't great as we start the month. That said, February was the coldest and snowiest month of the season so far here too so most ski areas are close to fully open, but we may see some struggle to make the end of the month unless there is an unexpected temperature drop. |
|
There's been a whole lotta snowing going on; this is the view from Cauterets, France. Fabulous heavy snow falls across much of the European Alps, with some big snow in the USA and Canada too. Late season skiing is looking pretty promising across the northern hemisphere. The Snow Headlines - February 29th - Biggest snowfalls of 2024 arrive as forecast in the Alps - up to a metre reported. - Two waves of snowfall arrive in a week. - Europe's most northerly major resort Riksgransen open for 2024 season. - Great conditions for much of North America after February snowfalls. - Huge snowfalls in the Pyrenees allow the most terrain to open so far this. - Avalanche Risk Levels rise to "considerable" across much of the Alps. - Biggest snowfalls of 2024 in parts of western Canada. 
That's a lot of snow in the forecast for Europe and parts of USA! Take the amounts with a pinch of salt, but it's going to snow...
World Overview It's been a big week for snowfall on both sides of the Atlantic. The big snowfalls forecast for the Alps arrived, and in fact, there have been two major fronts move across in the last seven days, dumping more than a metre of snow between them on many higher slopes. So the perfect start to springtime in terms of a base boost. There's also been a big snowfall down in the Pyrenees, which was very welcome there and it finally feels like the season is getting started, just as it enters its final six weeks... It was quieter in North America until the past few days with a big fresh system moving in from the West Coast, bringing intense snowfall to the Pacific Coast and the Rockies, including a much-needed half metre to Whistler so far. Europe Austria Austrian ski areas posted some of the biggest snowfalls in the world over the last week, with some of the heaviest falls claimed by ski areas in the south of the country (over a metre at Nassfeld and almost as much in Bad Kleinkirchheim) as well as up on glaciers. The Stubai posted 90cm (three feet) of snowfall in 72 hours, the Kitzsteinhorn 75cm. But there was also snow for the larger but lower elevation areas like the Skiwelt and Saalbach-Hinterglemm, so everyone was happy to have had this boost in time for the start of spring skiing in March. Temperatures have stayed cool and there have been more snow showers through the week. The coming week will see sunny spells and snow showers, with temperatures remaining low. France The biggest snowfalls of 2024 in the French Alps too with the 3 Valleys posting up to 75cm of fresh snowfall in 48 hours and Alpe d'Huez the deepest reported snow depth of the season so far at 4.8 metres up high. Les Arcs says it has hit 485cm at 2,000m and notes that's about four times the depth reported a year ago at this point of the season. 50cm accumulations were widely reported through the weekend, causing some logistical issues on 'transfer day' Saturday as well as sending the avalanche danger levels up to 3. The colder overnight temperatures also allowed snowmaking guns at lower elevations to fire up again at resorts like Morzine. A second wave of heavy snowfall began on Tuesday and is continuing; it's since been snowing again, taking the 7-day totals past a metre in many areas. More snow showers, potentially bringing another half metre are forecast through the weekend, then drier, sunnier conditions next week. Italy Italy received plenty of fresh snowfall at the weekend too, so much so that the World Cup Alpine ski racing planned for the Fassa Valley in the Dolomites on Saturday had to be cancelled due to too much snowfall; a little ironic after months of mostly dry, sunny conditions. Across Italy, the snow was welcome, with falls of up to 60cm (two feet) reported on high slopes, 20-40cm at lower levels. Snow has kept falling through the week since, with a growing number of areas saying they've now had more than a metre, the heaviest on higher slopes of course. Switzerland Swiss centres got their share of the big weekend snowfalls with Davos and St Moritz amongst those posting over half a metre of fresh snowfall initially. The weather has stayed colder and frequently snowy in the final days of meteorological wintertime since, with most areas picking up another 20-40cm of snowfall since Sunday, with sunny spells between. So much so that St Moritz is now posting a 102cm increase in its upper slope base depth since this time a week ago. Avalanche danger is up as freeriding resumes but most centres have reopened all of their terrain after temporary closure during the heaviest falls. The new snowfall has not made a huge difference to open terrain, which was "most of it" anyway, but has improved piste quality down to low levels. As with elsewhere in the Alps, more snow is forecast through the weekend, easing into more sunshine next week. Scandinavia Scandinavia has had another week of cool weather, with temperatures in the +5C to -15C range. Most of the region's ski areas remain fully open and have seen their bases increase with light to moderate snowfalls this week. Europe's most northerly major ski area, Sweden's Riksgransen, opened for its 2024 season, which runs to mid-May, at the weekend. The thickest snowpack is, as usual, on Norway's western coast where depths have reached 2.4m (eight feet) at ski areas around Voss. However, the largest open areas are at the biggest resorts like Sweden's Are, which reports a 1m snow depth and 90% of its slopes open. The forecast is for more snow showers into the weekend, with temperatures staying low, but a degree or two warmer than last week. Pyrenees It's good to be able to report that we've had the best snowfalls of the season so far in the Pyrenees with centres reporting up to a metre of fresh snow on higher runs. That's as much as some have had all season combined. Skiers and boarders have been able to head off-piste and enjoy fresh cover for the first time in months. It's not yet made a huge difference to what's open (typically 50-70% of the slopes at larger centres), but several big areas including Spain's Formigal and Andorra's Grandvalira have promised they'll be almost fully open for the first time this season from the coming weekend. Ordino Arcalias is the first ski area in the region to reach a 1-metre base and is 80% open. The week ahead looks to be remaining cooler than it was in February with more snow showers forecast, if not so heavy as earlier this week. Scotland Scottish centres have had their usual battles with mother nature with mixed results. Glencoe is in the best shape with about half its terrain open and top to bottom skiing. It had probably the best days of the season so far at the weekend with clear skies and still weather for beautiful blue sky conditions. Elsewhere, Nevis Range hasn't enough natural snow to open and there's much more limited terrain available at The Lecht, Cairngorm and Glenshee. There's been more snowfall, (along with lift-closing gales on Thursday) and there's more snow forecast, most promising for higher slopes. Eastern Europe Bulgaria has had some fresh snowfall this week, but just a few centimetres up high. Conditions remain best at altitude although Bansko has managed to keep its long run down to the town open, despite warmer weather in the valley. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, the best of the snow is also on higher slopes. After some snowfall at the weekend, slopes have had a good refresh, but lower runs are not in such good shape with warmer temperatures impacting them; some lower runs are closed now. North America Canada Temperatures are finally colder in western Canada and snow has been falling. There was excitement along the British Columbia/Alberta border, where ski areas around Banff and Jasper as well as Kicking Horse and Panorama in BC posted up to 29cm of fresh snowfall in 48 hours, giving a powder day. There was not so much to cheer about further west until Wednesday when Whistler Blackcomb reported it was finally below freezing to the valley and had a 48cm snowfall in just 12 hours. The snowfall was also good news for smaller, lower areas of Western BC surrounding it, which until now had either been closed completely or had just 10-30% of their slopes open due to the warm/dry weather. It's been much colder and the snow is in better shape on the East Coast where ski areas in Quebec have again seen lows touching -20C over the last week. The forecast is for the west to stay cold, but unfortunately, the East will see warmer spells. USA It was a colder, snowier week than expected across much of the US with resorts posting up to 30" (75cm) of snowfall through the week. As a result, conditions continue to be some of the best of the season so far in many areas – the exception continuing to be the Pacific Northwest Corner which continues to miss out on the significant snowfall and cold temperatures needed. With only a month of the season left for many areas there, it looks like if anything does arrive, it may be too late now. Park City by contrast continues to post one of the world's deepest snowpacks, now at 3.3 metres, and is 100% open, the largest area in the US. Fellow Utah area Alta has the North American continent's deepest snowpack at 3.8m. All that being said, a huge fresh major storm system is moving in from the Pacific as we complete this week's report, promising some big fresh snow totals in the west (up to 12 feet/3.5m+ by the start of next week). This should bring snow into the Pacific Northwest too, it's hoped. |
|
It's all good... we can see the snow! Also, your lad appears to have nicked my lad's ski gear... :lol: |
|
|
With longer days, sunnier slopes, and warmer temperatures, late season skiing in the Austrian Tirol is fantastic. As the Tirol is home to five glacier ski resorts, the conditions remain consistent until much later in the year. Plus, many resorts host events from March onwards; fun can be had on, and off, the slopes.
In contrast to challenging conditions at some lower ski areas in the Alps, particularly the western Alps, the Austrian ski areas of the Tirol (Tyrol) have seen consistent snowfall this winter - and are just receiving further doses of fresh as we post this Press Release from the Tourist Office (via Heaven Publicity). 
Five Glacier Resorts For freeriders The five Tirolean glaciers are great for freeriders. The 'Pitztal Wild Face', an extreme freeride event in March, has been held on the north face of the 3,159 metre high Mittagskogel since 2013. In addition, numerous lines run through Pitztal, from the Swiss descent on the Mittelbergbahn over wide slopes, to steep gullies right next to the slope on the Hinterer Brunnenkogel. The Kaunertal Glacier, with its 36 kilometres of off-piste slopes, is also an incredible place for freeriders. The favourites here are the Nörderberg variant down to Fernergries and the Langtaufers variant to South Tyrol in Italy. The Stubai Glacier is also one of the top freeride areas in the country. In the Powder Department, 13 exciting runs await guests in open, unsecured terrain. Finally, beginners and experts will find the perfect powder run on more than 70 kilometres of off-piste options in Sölden. Stay Safe: anyone who wants to enjoy the freedom of freeriding should be aware of the risks. Aside from very good knowledge of the terrain, the most important rules are never go off-piste alone, always have appropriate equipment, be aware of Alpine dangers, and check the avalanche report and weather forecast before setting off. Latest avalanche information can be found here: https://avalanche.report/bulletin/latest For freestyle skiers and snowboarders All five glacier resorts have incredible snowparks, with kickers, jumps, pipes, rails and boxes ready to be tackled. Head to Betterpark Hintertux, which is open from mid-April to mid-June, and is the highest and most snow-sure freestyle spot in Austria. There is everything for perfect jumps here, plus a changing jib setup. Equally exciting is Snowpark Kaunertal, which is open from mid-April 2024. The longest jibline in the Alps can be found here, plus plenty of amazing setups. From 24 March to 14 April 2024, Stubai Zoo presents itself in a large XL setup with pro, medium, jib and easy lines on the Gaiskarferner, making it one of the largest snow parks in the world. For families Whether big or small, there are great experiences across the five glaciers for every member of the family. Younger kids can join a big Easter egg hunt in the snow on the Hintertux Glacier – find the colourful Easter eggs, solve the fun puzzle, and collect a sweet reward. Older children can experience 600 horsepower at the snowcat test area in Hintertux at an altitude of 3,250 metres altitude. On selected days, guests can even try driving a snow groomer free of charge (under supervision). For families wanting to introduce their kids to more wintersports, why not join the BIG Family event on Stubai Glacier? Here, toddlers through to teenagers can try out the varied ski offerings including the BIG Family Slalom, the BIG Family Action Days and Boardercross to the Fun Slope. The Stubai Glacier also offers free travel for children under 10 years of age (accompanied by a paying parent). Dates for the diary - Events For more information about winter holidays in Tirol, please visit: www.tyrol.com/winter-holidays |
|
The view from Les Deux Alpes, France, about to get new snow... More snow has arrived in the western USA. A cold snap, with a lot of snow, is rolling in for many European Alpine ski areas. The Snow Headlines - February 22nd - Another series of major storms dumps feet more snow on Western US. - Europe's most northerly ski area Riksgransen opening for 2024 season this weekend. - Warm weather in the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees again but snowfall arriving now. - Scottish ski centres forced to close all or most slopes by warm temperatures. - Significant snowfall (30-60cm) expected for the Alps into the weekend. - Mammoth Mountain reports 10 feet (2.5m) of snowfall in first 3 weeks of February. 
A lot of snow forecast for Europe, USA and Japan
World Overview The significant snowfall forecast for the Alps for 2 weeks appears to be finally here. The snow is starting to fall as we complete this week's report and is expected to continue through to the weekend, bringing quite significant accumulations by Sunday/Monday, fingers crossed. Although this should mean there's finally some off-piste powder to enjoy, snow safety experts like Henry's Avalanche Talk are warning of high avalanche danger on certain slopes. There was already a 10-30cm fall in the Alps at the start of the week which offset the fact that ongoing warm weather has led to a slight decrease in depths and open terrain, although both remain pretty good. Elsewhere in Europe, more southerly resorts in the Pyrenees and Bulgaria continue to battle warm temperatures and Scotland's ski areas have very little left open after mild temperatures there. Scandinavia though remains mostly cold and fully open with loads of fresh snow and fast-lengthening daylight hours. Across the Atlantic there's been coast-to-coast snowfall on US ski slopes, heaviest in the West and the Rockies but good too in New England and the East. Further north in Canada there's not been much fresh, although most areas, other than those on BC's Pacific coast, are fully open. Europe Austria The amount of open terrain, at lower ski areas, is dropping slightly in Austria as the warmer temperatures overtake snow-making efforts. But for the country's bigger resorts at least, we are just losing a few runs and still talking 80-90% open. It has actually been a cooler week than last with the highest temperatures in single figures even at low levels, rather than the double-digits we saw earlier in February. There have also been light to moderate snow showers between the sunny spells throughout the week. Many Austrian resorts posted 20-30cm falls on Tuesday morning and more, larger, falls are just starting and expected to continue into early next week. The Arlberg region around St Anton is still posting the most terrain open, 270km, and still has one of the country's deepest bases up high at 3.6 metres, so is looking good for the final months of the season. France French resorts have had a return to conditions as they were before the snowfalls earlier last week, with mostly sunny skies, hard-packed pistes and warm valley temperatures, particularly in the southern Alps (which saw the biggest snowfalls earlier this month) where we got to highs well above 10C in valleys this week. That said snowfall – generally just 5-10cm – did reach many areas earlier this week before temperatures rose again. Conditions above 1800m remain good with most of France's big areas at least 90% open and while ski areas in Japan and the US are finally catching up, the five deepest bases in the world at present remain on high slopes in France – including Alpe d'Huez, Flaine and Les Arcs – so plenty left to see out the season now. We are now changing back to colder, snowier conditions, with some of the biggest falls of this year so far expected over the next few days. Italy Italy has enjoyed a largely sunny 7 days since last week's report. Some light snow showers have bubbled up from time to time on higher slopes, adding just a few centimetres to base depths, but as has been the norm for much of 2024 so far, it's been predominantly sunny skies and temperatures climbing up above +10C below 1500m in the afternoons. Higher up the snow conditions remain good and most slopes remain open, on the groomed runs at least. Val Gardena is 100% open with the most terrain entirely in Italy and in the Dolomites – over 180km. The Milky Way (with some of its terrain in France) and Matterhorn Glacier paradise (much of it in Switzerland) have more terrain open (that is accessible from Italy) though – both at nearly 300km. More significant snowfall is forecast over the next few days, potentially bringing 30-60cm accumulations by the start of next week. Switzerland Swiss slopes did see some snowfall on Monday-Tuesday with accumulations of up to 30cm reported. Engelberg, which in past years has posted the deepest snow in Europe – reaching 6 metres by early March – has reached a 3-metre depth this week after another 20cm. Sunny and dry again midweek but here too some big snowfalls - most optimistically 30-70cm accumulations over the next 48 hours – are forecast. Scandinavia Scandinavia continues to post excellent conditions with more low temperatures and some fresh snowfalls over the last seven days and still more forecast too. The snow here is staying in great shape thanks to sub-zero temperatures but daylight hours are increasing so there's no longer the reliance on floodlit slopes. Riksgransen in Northern Sweden opens for its 2024 season this weekend. It will have 24-hour daylight by early May when it will again offer skiing and boarding under the midnight sun. Pyrenees Some light snow showers have refreshed higher slopes in Andorra, Spain and the Spanish Pyrenees but it has been mostly sunny with the same issue we've had almost all season of temperatures getting above +10C in the afternoons even at 1500m altitudes. The battle to keep runs open at the big areas continues but is gradually being lost with Spain's Baqueira Beret and Andorra's Grandvalira (Soldeu, Pas de la Casa et al) both dropping terrain to about 55% open now. Small low centres remain closed or struggling to open more than 10 or 20% of their runs. There is more snow forecast but probably not enough to completely transform things. All that said, most skiers are happy on the higher runs in the sunshine and 100km+ in the big areas is enough for most. Scotland Sadly warm temperatures have led to snow loss across Scottish slopes this week and there's little open beyond the all-weather snowmaker maintained learning areas at Cairngorm, Glenshee and The Lecht with Nevis Range closed again for snowsports completely and Glencoe just with its dry slope. There is some hope though, with colder, snowy weather forecast for the latter half of this week and into next, which will hopefully be enough for some terrain to be re-opened. Eastern Europe Bulgaria's ski centres are highlighting that "this is the time to get a sun tan while you ski" focusing on the upside of the ongoing warm, dry conditions and not the downside of thawing slopes! To be fair, there was little change on last week with skiing mostly on the upper half of the mountains, but long runs down to the base maintained. Up in the northeast of Europe, conditions remain fairly good at the larger centres in Poland and the Czech and Slovak Republics. Bases and open slopes have dropped slightly but colder, snowy weather is arriving for the end of the week which should reverse losses. North America Canada There's been little change to Canadian snow conditions this week with Western ski areas seeing 10-20cm of fresh snow through the week, mostly at the rate of a few centimetres each day. Conditions have been colder in the east, and the snow conditions in Quebec and Ontario appear more mid-wintery, with temperatures down as low as -20C. Most ski areas in Alberta and BC are close to fully open, with Whistler Blackcomb, which has struggled due to the impact of warm weather on the lower half of its slopes all season, reportedly back up to 90% open. Other, lower, British Columbian coastal centres still have only 15-30% of their slopes open though. USA The US has posted the best snowfall totals in the world over the last seven days, for the second week in the past three. A major series of storms moving in from the Pacific hit cold enough air for more big dumps, with ski areas in California, Utah and Wyoming the main beneficiaries. However, there's been snowfall right across the country, with even Midwest and Mid-Atlantic ski areas reporting powder conditions in the weekend, as well as those up in New England. Mammoth Mountain, Jackson Hole and Utah resorts like Snowbird and the country's largest ski area at Park City all reported several feet of new snow with Alta now close to a 4-metre base, the deepest in the world outside France. |
|
Les Gets Trip Report - January 2024
Started by Admin in France, discussing Les Gets and Portes du Soleil |
|
|
One Fabulous Day in Les Gets
(ok, so it was two days, but that doesn't scan as well) PLEASE NOTE - this trip took place in January, and pictures snow conditions at that time. Last month, we travelled to Les Gets in the French part of the Portes du Soleil. Although we'd skied there before, our last visit was a couple of decades ago - and much has changed! 
Part of the Mont Chery area, looking toward Les Gets village and the main ski area the other side of the valley. Les Gets - a quick introduction The mountain resort of Les Gets, in the northern French Alps, is just 1 hour by car from Geneva Airport and is linked to 12 other resorts in the Portes Du Soleil region. In summer, the village is very popular with an international reputation for mountain-biking, hiking and numerous other activities. The Les Gets-Morzine ski area has 68 ski runs and 50 ski lifts, within a total of over 300 pistes and 208 lifts across the entire PdS domain. Hotels range from 4* to 2* as well as numerous chalets and apartments. There are around 40 restaurants, on and off the mountain. Snow conditions If you've been keeping up with the snow news this winter (on J2Ski, of course), you'll know that lower-lying alpine ski areas have had a few challenges at times; with warmth, rain and storms. Late January was somewhat variable in Les Gets, but we got lucky and our pictures here reflect that. Currently (late February), lower cover is thin but there is snow in the forecast for this coming weekend. You can find the latest weather and snow forecast for Les Gets on J2Ski here. We arrived on a Thursday and skied the first day in heavy rain (which was just turning to snow at the top of the slopes). Heavy snow at the start of the season had laid a solid base, however, and on-piste base depths - and good grooming - were holding conditions up very well at that point. That evening, temperatures dropped and it turned to snow and kept snowing overnight before clearing the next day. Friday 19th January 2024 turned out to be "one of those days" you dream of, with fabulous snow across the domain, largely clear sky (with an impressive halo around the sun) and little wind. 
When the view from breakfast looks like this, you know you're in for a good day. The Skiing We opted to stay within the immediate Les Gets area for the Friday, as the snow was so good. Early up a succession of lifts, starting with the efficient Chavannes gondola out of town, we warmed up on a quick Blue and Red and found ourselves (thanks to the local knowledge of our lead for day - Rob) quickly at the top of La Rosta. 
There isn't always powder in Les Gets, but when there is... Although "only" descending from 1660 metres, the black Yeti run had been left unpisted and we were fortunate to be only the second group to drop in - and found super un-tracked powder. That was so good we went straight back to do it again before moving on. A fabulous morning of mostly piste skiing, with a little side-piste powder where we could find it, followed. It's an entertaining ski area, especially for cruisers, well-connected with Blues and (mostly) non-scary Reds. It's ideal for improving Intermediates, with good nursery slopes close to the town for Beginners. More advanced skiers will probably want to explore further afield (into the rest of the huge Portes du Soleil ski domain) but there's enough to keep everyone occupied when the snow is good. 
We had an excellent lunch at the on-mountain restaurant "La Croix Blanche" and then opted for the walk across town to the ski area of Mont Chery. This was a treat as the snow was great and the mountain was virtually deserted; so we were able to cover some ground - and found more powder between and beside the pistes. The Village Although significantly expanded in recent decades, Les Gets has maintained a traditional friendly feel with Savoyard architecture, wooden chalets, and a pedestrian-friendly layout. There's a good range of shops, restaurants, and après-ski bars in and around the village centre. Off The Slopes Although we missed out on them this trip, you can opt to try snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides for a change from skiing or boarding. There are many events that take place throughout the year in Les Gets, including the recent of the Les Gets Comedy Festival. That took place during our visit, and we were entertained by a range of up-and-coming comedians hilariously presented by Maisie Adams and with Phil Wang topping the bill. 
Catch this if you're in Les Gets next year, but be aware that it is (very) adult comedy. Getting There We flew into Geneva, from various UK airports including Gatwick and Southampton, and transferred to the PdS by taxi and minibus. Being close to Geneva airport gives many flight and transfer options, so Les Gets and PdS are some of the easiest ski resorts to access from the UK (and many other countries). Where We Stayed We stayed at the fabulous new luxury Chaley Blythe, where we were very well looked-after by Jenny and her talented and professional crew. Highly recommended! 
Find Out More Les Gets: https://www.lesgets.com/en/ Chalet Blythe: https://summitspecial.co.uk/chalet-hotel-blythe/ from £37,500 per week for exclusive chalet use for 7 nights or £695 per night for a room (3 nights minimum stay). Prices include half board with 4 course meal, canapes and all drinks. |
|