[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2023/24]

On 15/01/2024 at 13:28, Blessed Weather said:

 

I use the full range of models we have available to check 'big picture' forecasts in the run up to my trips, so that includes the mains models such as GFS and ECM, but for more local forecasts also ICON (German model) and Arpege (French model) as they have as good a reputation as any for Alpine forecasts and show most of the Alps except far east of Austria.

Netweather uses GFS to produce its Alps charts, so that's a useful tool as it has detail such as freezing level, precipitation, etc.

The Alpine country met offices also worth a look. Here's the Meteo France 15 day forecast for Morzine and for Avoriaz.

I use the French newspaper Le Dauphine (online mountain edition) for resort snow depths. Here's the link and you need to look at the Haute-Savoie for Morzine and Avoriaz depths. The upper slopes looking good for both at 125 cms.

I can fully understand your disappoint that forecasts are currently suggesting a milder week for the Alps with the possibility of some precipitation on Mon/Tues but unfortunately freezing level an issue, followed by a sunny remainder of the week. Hopefully there's enough time for forecasts to adjust for the better. And looking on the positive side, with current depths there will be plenty of good skiing on upper slopes and skiing in sunshine always a pleasure. I hope you both enjoy your trips.

I didn't get around to posting these, but the sun was out for my last couple of days last week and I captured these views of 'up-top' and looking down the valley:

 

Great set of links. For anyone going to the US, This is the best weather site I used to use. They have a great written forecast for each resort/ region. I see they also now have an app. 

Steamboat Daily Snow Forecasts | OpenSnow

OPENSNOW.COM

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Steamboat snow forecast and ski conditions report, updated daily by expert forecasters.

 

[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2023/24]

Another mixed day in La Rosiere, France, La Thuile, Italy. Weak cloudy sunshine and strong winds made skiing difficult in France, with the pistes getting quite wind blown and icy with flattish light. Took the decision to take the long buutton tow through the Petit St Bernard Pass to La Thuile. This was brutally windy and very few other skiers making the link today. La Thuile was cloudy with some nice fresh snow but zero visibility so went down through the trees to the village before making the long  trek back to France. Pictures show the good conditions in the Italian trees and the week sunshine looking SW through the Isere valley to Bourg St Maurice and Les Arcs (on the left) . An interesting place to ski with the option to cross the main spine of the Alps into Italy for some different weather. Highly recommended. Looking forward to some winter sunshine tomorrow and the views of Mt Blanc.

[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2023/24]

40 minutes ago, Blessed Weather said:

Hope you're having a great week Frazzled. You hit the nail on the head with conditions in France (your comment in bold). Here in Val Cenis the wonderful snow conditions are difficult to enjoy when most of the time the 'clag' has settled over the mountain and you end up skiing blind through the murk. The forecast here is for much of the same up to mid-week with Weds seeing some very cold air giving -6C in the village and -16C at the top. Then the sun comes out later this week, so hopefully some fantastic conditions to enjoy before heading home. Some pics from today showing the view from the telecabin up the mountain into the murk, and the view towards the top of the telecabin and top restaurant during a brief clearer spell.

Similar day in La Rosiere today. Some very thick fog, but a very distinct top to the cloud at about 2000m above this the views were stunning but real ‘pea soup’ on the French side. Attached a couple of pictures looking south towards Val D’Isere/ Tignes and the poor visibility when you disappear in the fog. Looking forward to the rest of the week with the big European pattern change and hopefully some clearer weather for the rest of our week.

[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2023/24]

Currently skiing in La Rosiere in France. My first ski trip in 4 years. Great snow conditions, but amazing weather contrast between the French and Italian side (La Thuile). Cloud and snow banked up on the west side in France, fog and tough flat light skiing. But sunny, mostly clear on the eastern, Italian side, great conditions to find the ski legs after a 4 year hiatus. Looks like it’s going to get sunnier/ drier but stay cold this week. Couple of pictures to show the weather contrast.

[Scotland/Alba weather discussion - Jan 2021 onwards]

Sleet and rain finally turned to snow in East Aberdeenshire. Measured 30mm of rain in last 24hrs. The Coy Burn (a tributary of the Dee) has burst it’s banks. It’s now 1c here and will be treacherous with the freezing temps from tonight ⛸

[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2018/19]

23 hours ago, Blessed Weather said:

Welcome to the Mountain & Snow Sports thread Frazzled. Great pic from Saas Fee. Hopefully colder weather to preserve snowfall for the lower resorts isn't too far off.
Are you planning to head off to the Alps this winter?

P.S. When you get a mo could you pop your location into your profile details please. Thks.

@Norrance Ski Club of GB are reporting 100 cms on the upper pistes and 30 cms on the lower in Les Deux Alpes as of today, with 21 out of 49 pistes open. Forecasts going forward very volatile atm, so a case of keeping a watch on the outlook..... but I'd be cautiously optimistic.

Another great day today even without the sun. Cloud and snow. The Saas Fee forecast has been spot on all week shows the warm up on Saturday. Back to Aberdeenshire Saturday which will make up the rest of my seasons skiing. Sadly saw all the promising snow at Glenshee has disappeared. Will update profile on my return.

[Worldwide Mountain & Snow Sports Discussion 2018/19]

Stunning conditions today in Swiss Alps, Saas Fee. A couple of days of heavy snow and shut lifts followed by an almost perfect day today. Low pressure returning tomorrow but for the high resorts still around freezing to preserve perfect snow.