Good snow in Alpe d'Huez?

The 23th December we will drive +700km to be in Alpe d'Huez for 1 week. We reserved hotel and forfaits but aren't 100% sure to come yet, because of snow shortage

We'd appreciate honest direct information about Quantity and quality of the snow. We visit daily the official website, things have improved last week but still looks poor for such a long trip.

Thanks in advance and have a great Skiing Winter anyway :wink:

Bankso Babe ( see 'Why oh why') is quite right to say that skiing in December is always something of a risk. If you look at the average snow depths ( upper and lower slopes) for all major resorts for previous years ( see Ski Club of Great Britain website via google), you can see clearly that it is much less risky to choose January/ February/ March.

The current snow depth at the top at Alpe d'Huez is up to average for December but on the lower slopes it is currently below average. There is , however, enough to enjoy skiing. Also the many snow cannons on the lower slopes are working hard now that the temperatures have dropped.

Who knows what the 'great snowmaker in the sky' has in mind for Christmas onwards. If there is a dump in the next couple of weeks the skiing will be good. If not, and if the temperature rises, it will probably be a bit scratchy on those lower slopes that do not have cannons.

Can't be more helpful than that. But if you have just one or two weeks' skiing per year then I would be inclined to take Bansko's advice.

Good luck for the conditions whenever you decide to go!

Geoff Smith

Hi Geoff

Thanks. I'll follow up the temperature evolution this week, before making the final decision. Thanks also for the GB Ski Club url, impressive info.

I agree on BanksoBabe's.

Please, in case you got fresh info, let me know.

Best regards

David

davidnexus wrote:Hi Geoff

Thanks. I'll follow up the temperature evolution this week, before making the final decision. Thanks also for the GB Ski Club url, impressive info.

I agree on BanksoBabe's.

Please, in case you got fresh info, let me know.

Best regards

David

We're off to Alpe d'Huez too, the earliest in the season we've ever been skiing and are eagerly awaiting a good snow dump! Been checking daily too and it looks OK at the moment but I'm worried about the rising temperatures on the way.

I think we might have to do the unforgiveable and take our son out of school for a week in the future so we can go in early February. (Hope no teachers are reading this).

Keep the faith, I'm sure it will be all right!

Hi,
just back from a few days in Alpe d'Huez and there is about 50% of the piste open and some good runs particuarly high up.The black runs from the glacier are particularly good so I reckon you should get some good skiing next week.

regards.Gareth.

Hi,
just back from a few days in Alpe d'Huez and there is about 50% of the piste open and some good runs particuarly high up.The black runs from the glacier are particularly good so I reckon you should get some good skiing next week.

regards.Gareth.

Gareth Fair wrote:Hi,
just back from a few days in Alpe d'Huez and there is about 50% of the piste open and some good runs particuarly high up.The black runs from the glacier are particularly good so I reckon you should get some good skiing next week.

regards.Gareth.

Is the Sarenne open? What condition is it in? I have heard that it is quite easy for a black, what sort of terrain does it have?

Looking forward to some great skiing next week.

[b] :D hiya guys, im so glad i found this site, ive been scourin th internet lookin for weather forcasts, but im thinkin great ppl like urselfs who have just come back from or going to, will give me the best advice :D, im going ADH 13th jan good couple of weeks away so hopefully the skys will open up!!!! fingers crossed :roll: :roll: been there b4 about 8 yrs ago so things have bound 2 change, anyways all you ppl who r going b4 me have a wicked time :D :D :D