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The Alps Snow thread Season 2013-14


J10

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I Like the animation Julian

a request, as ever I hear you say!

Can you put a label on what it is for everyone just to make it quite clear and perhps state when the frames start and end?

Now amended to include that, still would like to make it a bigger though.

Edit New Version -> Double Click to See GIF working properly.

post-213-0-04850000-1387044609_thumb.gif

Edited by J10
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As mentioned above, it has been quite sunny and mild across the Alps, this will have hte effect of reducing snow depths at least off piste. With the clear skies overnight, even in mild weather generally, surface temps drop substantially and the snow cannons may still ber able to operate, which should help on piste conditions.

 

Going back to the webcams

 

 

Alpe D Heuz (http://alpedhuez.livecam360.net/) Posted ImageAlpe D Heuz 7 Dec.jpg

St Moritz (http://elparadiso.roundshot.ch/) Posted ImageSt Moritz 7 Dec.jpg

Tignes (http://tignes.livecam360.net/brevieres) Posted ImageTignes 7 Dec.jpg

Wengen (http://bellevue.roundshot.ch/) Posted ImageWengen 7 Dec.jpg

 

All four resorts are bathed in glorious sunshine at the time of photos, around noon Sat 7 December. Snow depths are a bit lower than last week, especially in areas facing the sun, Alpe D Heuz is also open for business as skiers are very noticeable on the slopes.

 

Going back to the webcams

 

Alpe D Heuz (http://alpedhuez.livecam360.net/) Posted Imagepost-213-0-18846900-1387129268_thumb.jpg

St Moritz (http://elparadiso.roundshot.ch/) Posted Imagepost-213-0-36512200-1387129316_thumb.jpg

Tignes (http://tignes.livecam360.net/brevieres) Posted Imagepost-213-0-36909000-1387129229_thumb.jpg

Wengen (http://bellevue.roundshot.ch/) Posted Imagepost-213-0-12026900-1387129299_thumb.jpg

 

Again glorious sunshine across the Alps, all resorts show less snow than last week, but given the mild temps not that much in the way of loss.

 

Resort snow depths (From Ski Club GB website) http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/snowreports/snowconditions.aspx

            Upper Lower              Last 7     Piste      OffResort Name piste piste  Last snowed   days   Quality     Piste   Lifts OpenAlpe d'Huez 150cm  20cm 30 Nov (10cm)   0cm      Good    Patchy   18 out of 71Tignes      120cm  40cm 30 Nov  (5cm)   0cm Excellent Windblown   55 out of 60Wengen       50cm  15cm 06 Dec  (3cm)   0cm      Good    Varied    7 out of 19St Moritz    22cm  20cm 29 Nov (10cm)   0cm    Packed   Limited   17 out of 22Mayrhofen   100cm  15cm 06 Dec  (4cm)   0cm    Packed    Varied   16 out of 25
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Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
15 December 2013 
 
There is little sign of new snow this week in Europe with the sun continuing to warm the slopes. However, towards the end of the week cloud cover could return in France and bring some precipitation. Light snow is also predicted for next weekend in Austria and Switzerland. Andorra is also expecting some light snowfall, around 5cm, next weekend but newly opened Borovets and Bansko in Bulgaria have no fresh snow forecast.
 
It is set to be sunnier in America over the next seven days, although most resorts will also receive occasional top ups of fresh snow after the weekend. The east coast is set to receive the majority of it with Mount Snow, Sugarbush and Killington all expecting over 15cm. In Canada, Kicking Horse should celebrate opening week with around 35cm of new snow, but they are not the only resort expecting good snowfall - Whistler and Banff could both accumulate a further 25cm each.
 
Austria
 
Austria has some of the best conditions in Europe at the moment after moderate snowfall at the weekend, but some resorts are experiencing spring conditions with warm, sunny weather. Temperatures rose to around 7C in Ellmau (10/50cm) and Westendorf (10/55cm) in the Ski Welt area on Thursday 12th December. The best skiing could be found on well-groomed runs on the upper slopes. The best conditions are still currently at glacial resorts where there is excellent skiing on-piste. Hintertux (20/185cm) enjoyed sunny skies yet again on Thursday and great skiing up high. There are also great on-piste conditions in Pitztal (89/199cm) which has the strongest base of all our featured Austrian resorts. St Anton (20/60cm) which enjoyed a sunny opening week of the season is offering good skiing on firmly packed runs but patchy conditions in the off piste.
 
France
 
Sunny weather has begun to take its toll on some French resorts this week, but many are still preparing to open up this weekend after a good start to the winter. La Plagne (20/125cm) and Les Arcs (20/80cm) will both be kicking off the season on Saturday 14th December. They should provide excellent skiing on piste on their upper slopes. Unfortunately the cable car connecting the two resorts will not be in operation. Flaine (15/50cm), Orcieres (30/60cm) and Foux d'Allos (10/15cm) are all also due to open for the season this weekend. Elsewhere there are still excellent conditions on piste at both Tignes (40/140cm) and Val d'Isere (40/75cm) although trails are very hard packed. The off piste is hard and variable. Almost two weeks of bright sunshine has caused the off piste in both Les Deux Alpes (15/170cm) and Alpe d'Huez (20/150cm) to become quite patchy. The best conditions can be found on groomed pistes at higher altitudes.
 
Switzerland
 
Great skiing and boarding could be achieved on the glorious pistes across our featured Swiss resorts on Thursday 12th December. In common with neighbouring countries, bright blue, sunny skies glistened across the mountains. Grächen (10/20cm) is now open for snowsports and Zermatt (40/190cm), Saas Fee (25/240cm) Verbier (20/90cm) and Wengen (15/30cm) all have excellent conditions.
 
Italy
 
Our featured Italian resorts have enjoyed plenty of sunshine this week and good skiing on-piste, although some high traffic areas are becoming polished and icy. Passo Tonale (50/200cm) has a fantastic early season snowbase and offers fast skiing on firmly packed pistes. However, consistent sunshine this week has made the off-piste patchy and hard in places. There is also good coverage and hard-packed pistes on offer in Val Senales (20/280cm) but a lack of recent snowfall means the off-piste is to be avoided. Some of the best skiing is on offer in Cervinia (40/185cm), which has provided excellent on-piste conditions all season. All 15 of their lifts are open as well as the links over to Zermatt. Most resorts in Italy are now also open but they are in need of some new snow to freshen up the solid pistes and variable off-piste.
 
Andorra
 
There has been no new snow in Andorra this week but most resorts are still providing excellent early-season conditions. Good snowfall so far this season means Pas de la Casa (90/160cm) and Soldeu (90/160cm) in Grandvalira have impressive December snowbases. The best skiing can be found on firmly packed pistes across the resorts. Skiers and snowboarders enjoyed yet another glorious sunny day on Thursday 12th December. In the Vallnord region all 15 lifts at Arcalis (40/110cm) are open and there is good skiing on piste. There are similar snow conditions at Pal/Arinsal (50/80cm) and both resorts had clear skies on Thursday.
 
Norway/Sweden
 
The conditions in Norway and Sweden at the moment are good, although mild weather for the time of year has made the slower slopes a little soft. There's limited skiing on offer at Are (35/47cm) in Sweden. The season kicks off properly in about a week's time in the run up to Christmas. Colder weather is on its way again over the weekend. It's very similar in Norway, with the best of the snow conditions found on the upper areas of the open resorts. Geilo (31/41cm) had five of its 21 lifts running on Thursday 12th December and the snow is good higher up.
 
Germany
 
After good weekend snowfall our featured German resorts have enjoyed a few days of sunshine and good on-piste skiing. Trails have become quite hard-packed at both Lenggries (30/42cm) and Spitzingsee (46/46cm) and the best conditions can be found on the upper slopes. The sun has caused the off-piste conditions in Garmisch (20/135cm) to become patchy, even at higher altitudes, but there was still good on-piste skiing available on Thursday 12th December.
 
Bulgaria
 
The season is getting started in Bulgaria as Pamporovo (20/35cm) is now open for the winter. Snowmaking was possible on Thursday 12th December and conditions were decent on piste with sunny weather overhead. Two other resorts in Bulgaria, Bansko (20/30cm) and Borovets (20/30cm), are preparing to open on Saturday 14th December. They are currently improving their coverage with man-made snow as there has been no fresh snowfall since late November.
 
Scotland
 
Following stormy and cold weather at the end of last week, Cairngorm (0/15cm) were able to open for skiing on Saturday 7th December. It was a limited operation but good skiing was enjoyed higher up. They're now closed again due to a lack of snow and are likely to remain closed until next week, when they're expecting fresh snowfall and colder weather.
 
USA
 
It has been another good week of skiing and snowboarding in the USA after regular light snow on the west coast and powder conditions in the east. Stowe (40/40cm) enjoyed 10cm of fresh snow on Wednesday 11th December and there was excellent skiing on offer the following day. There was also fresh powder to be had in Sugarbush (45/115cm) where 13cm fell on Wednesday. Skiers and snowboarders enjoyed perfect conditions on Thursday 12th December, with cold weather keeping the snow in prime condition, and sunny skies. Deer Valley (86/86cm) has now started operations meaning all our featured resorts in America are open for the season. Elsewhere in the west, Jackson Hole (88/111cm) continued its brilliant start to the season with 8cm of new snow on Wednesday. There is fantastic skiing on offer across the entire resort.
 
Canada
 
There has been consistent snowfall in Canada this week with resorts on the east coast boasting the best conditions. Mont Sainte-Anne (60/80cm) enjoyed 23cm of fresh powder on Tuesday 10th December and a further 3cm the following day. Tremblant (70/85cm) also offered great conditions this week when 18cm fell on Tuesday, with a top up of 5cm on Wednesday 11th December. On the west coast Kimberly (105/105cm) and Kicking Horse (77/77cm) are both preparing to open for the season on Saturday 14th December. The latter has received regular dustings of snow throughout the week. Very good conditions are also on offer at other west coast resorts including Whistler (79/79cm) and Revelstoke (105/105cm) which are both expecting further moderate snowfall in the coming days. In Banff (70/78cm) there are excellent conditions at all three local resorts after light snowfall throughout the week continued to improve the pistes.

 

 

All from the BBC, Darren Bett's video here:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/25391466

Edited by Coast
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Posted
  • Location: Appley Bridge, Nr. Wigan, Lancashire, approx 50m ASL
  • Location: Appley Bridge, Nr. Wigan, Lancashire, approx 50m ASL

Quick generic question to the more seasoned boarders and skiers out there. I'm looking to go to Les Gets early Jan, normally I go late season when it can be 50/50 as its not the highest of resorts.Swing and roundabouts I'm sure but is it a bigger risk going with greater likelihood of less accumulation but less sun impact or viva versa? Putting aside the fact we are in a non favourable Euro high setup.

 

I'd say it'spretty much the same risk to be honest - I normally spent a week out in the Alps around my birthday (7th Feb) and never been without snow.

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Posted
  • Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
  • Weather Preferences: An Alpine climate - snowy winters and sunny summers
  • Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk

The new UKMO Euro 4 model available on the WeatherOnline website shows some welcome snowfall for the French and possibly Swiss & Italian Alps this Thurs 19th. Unfortunately (esp for Carinthian) it appears to miss the Austrian Alps.

 

post-20040-0-65023700-1387374383_thumb.g

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The new UKMO Euro 4 model available on the WeatherOnline website shows some welcome snowfall for the French and possibly Swiss & Italian Alps this Thurs 19th. Unfortunately (esp for Carinthian) it appears to miss the Austrian Alps.

 

Posted Image13121918_1806.gif

Looking at the French Alps web cams today, a decent (and much needed) topup

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Posted
  • Location: Chatel
  • Weather Preferences: Large quantities of snow.
  • Location: Chatel

Looking at the French Alps web cams today, a decent (and much needed) topup

 Yep - it has been snowing above about 1700m since yesterday morning and there was 30 to 35cm fresh at 1800m / 2000m this morning (measured) and snow level dropped overnight to resort level of 1200m, where there is about 12cm to 13cm of fresh and it is still snowing moderately as I type. GFS precipitation forecasts via the online automated sites have been a disaster for this snowfall.

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Posted
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK
  • Weather Preferences: Northeasterly Blizzard and sub zero temperatures.
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK

The new UKMO Euro 4 model available on the WeatherOnline website shows some welcome snowfall for the French and possibly Swiss & Italian Alps this Thurs 19th. Unfortunately (esp for Carinthian) it appears to miss the Austrian Alps.

 

Posted Image13121918_1806.gif

Yep, barren here under another cloudless sky. View looking towards Lungau Region, now snow starved in the frozen valleys. Milder at altitude.post-3489-0-13115500-1387542114_thumb.jp

Edited by carinthian
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Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne and Larnaca,Cyprus .
  • Location: Eastbourne and Larnaca,Cyprus .

Yep, barren here under another cloudless sky. View looking towards Lungau Region, now snow starved in the frozen valleys. Milder at altitude.Posted Imagesilverjet2berg.jpg

Yes it must be very frustrating Carinthian especially after the very good start to the season. Looking at the charts theres a  chance of some fresh snow over Xmas, especially on Boxing Day.for your region.

 

The situation here in the Pyrenees is a lot better, indeed given all the underwhelming model outputs we've seen its been a great start to the season, there was lots of snow at the end of November and then no warm rain , two weeks of beautiful sunny conditions but with lowish dew points, we had some fresh snow last night and conditions today look superb with fresh powder snow.

 

http://www.cauterets.com/pratique/webcams/

 

Cauterets, that's my closest resort and indeed my favourite as the town has a lot of character and not purpose built, some nice restaurants also, its only at around 960 metres so you can't ski to the village but its really a lovely town.

Edited by nick sussex
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Posted
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK
  • Weather Preferences: Northeasterly Blizzard and sub zero temperatures.
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK

Hi Nick,

 Just got back from the local pub. Lots of singing dancing going on. Stars are out again and feels warm. Your mountains are just amazing how they hold the snow retention. No extra moisture here at the moment although there is reports of some light snowfall further north. Euro high is sending me crazy and as you report some welcome snowfall expected over Christmas period, but not particularly cold. Blame the soggy and windy Yule tide over Britain on frustrating Euro high. Better change in the New Year or I will be off to visit my son in British Columbia to see some proper snow , deep crisp and even, just like on those Christmas Cards of old England many years ago .

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This is the first of today's updates which will include a synoptic update, an Webcam update, and an update on snow depths at selected resorts.

 

http://www.snow-forecast.com/overviews/tips_full (from Ski Club GB)

 

http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/snowreports/overview/default.aspx

 

SNOW NEWS UPDATED 19 DECEMBER 2013

INTRODUCTION Fresh snow is set to return to Europe after a long absence this weekend, with some French resorts already receiving light dustings.

 

AUSTRIA Our featured resorts have enjoyed yet another sunny week skiing on hard-packed pistes but there is snow in the forecast. Most resorts experienced increasing cloud cover on Thursday 19th December while light flurries were predicted for the afternoon and, in some places, on Friday 20th December. Despite mostly mild weather this week in Europe resorts like Hintertux (20/185cm), Kaunertal (70/110cm) and Pitztal (89/199cm) all enjoyed falling temperatures of around -5C. Hopefully colder, cloudy weather will bring much-needed new snow.

 

FRANCE Nearly all of our featured resorts will be open after this weekend with many ski areas starting up their lifts for the first time on Friday 20th December and Saturday 21st December Les Gets (40/180cm) will be open every day from Saturday along with Les Carroz (10/30cm) and Bonneval sur Arc (40/60cm).On Friday Le Corbier (10/25cm) and Sainte Foy (35/40cm) will offer free skiing when they kick off their ski season while Les Contamines (15/35cm) is also due to open up on Friday.

 

SWITZERLAND On Thursday the cloud finally rolled in, breaking the almost 3 weeks of unbroken sunshine. Saas Fee (20/215cm) was enjoying the colder weather on Thursday with the cloudy skies keeping the snow in better condition. Switzerland is looking forward to lots of expected snowfall over the coming weekend and into next week. Almost a metre could fall at Saas Fee, with the majority of that expected on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

ITALY Cloud has finally replaced bright sunshine at our featured resorts and could bring up to 15cm of new snow in some areas on Friday 20th December.There was poor visibility due to thick cloud and fog at many resorts on Thursday 19th December including Sestriere (60/100cm), Livigno (15/83cm) and La Thuile (10/40cm). However, the cloudy skies could bring fresh snow at all three resorts in the coming days.There are decent on-piste conditions available at most of our resorts after good early-season snowfall. Although there has been no new snow this week Arabba (45/118cm) is providing some of the best conditions with a good snow base and fast skiing on groomed runs.

 

ANRORRA After a sunny start to the week, the clear weather finally gave way to cloud cover on Thursday 19th December. In the Vallnord region Pal/Arinsal (50/80cm) is expecting much needed snowfall for Friday 20th December.Excellent on-piste conditions are still on offer in Grandvalira where there are very strong snow bases at both Pas de la Casa (90/160cm) and Soldeu (90/160cm). However, there has been no new snow since the beginning of the month with temperatures remaining above freezing for most of the week.

 

GERMANY There has been no new snow this week at our featured resorts. However, all are providing good on-piste skiing with decent snow bases. There was increasing cloud cover at Garmisch (70/135cm) and Lenggries (30/45cm) on Thursday 19th December with snow or rain a possibility. In Feldberg (20/30cm) visibility was very limited at altitude due to heavy fog and cloud.

 

BULGARIA Sunny weather continued on Thursday 19th December at all three of our featured resorts. The best conditions can be found at Pamporovo (30/70cm) which has a good early-season base and decent skiing on piste. There are also fairly good conditions at Bansko (20/30cm) and Borovets (60/70cm) with man-made snow providing good coverage on the lower slopes. There is very little off-piste available however at any of our featured resorts at this stage in the season.

 

EUROPEAN WEATHER OUTLOOK The snow is set to return just in time for Christmas with consistent snowfall predicted across the Alps next week. France is expecting moderate snowfall before the weekend and Isola 2000 could enjoy up to 80cm before this time next week. Alpe d'Huez  and Les Deuz Alpes are also expecting a much-needed half metre of fresh snow next week Zermatt and Saas Fee in Switzerland should benefit from almost a metre of fresh snow over the next nine days while Austrian resorts are also looking forward to moderate snowfall but could have to wait until the end of next week.

Edited by J10
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Posted
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK
  • Weather Preferences: Northeasterly Blizzard and sub zero temperatures.
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK

This is the first of today's updates which will include a synoptic update, an Webcam update, and an update on snow depths at selected resorts.

 

http://www.snow-forecast.com/overviews/tips_full (from Ski Club GB)

 

http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/snowreports/overview/default.aspx

 

SNOW NEWS UPDATED 19 DECEMBER 2013

 

INTRODUCTION Fresh snow is set to return to Europe after a long absence this weekend, with some French resorts already receiving light dustings.

 

AUSTRIA Our featured resorts have enjoyed yet another sunny week skiing on hard-packed pistes but there is snow in the forecast.Most resorts experienced increasing cloud cover on Thursday 19th December while light flurries were predicted for the afternoon and, in some places, on Friday 20th December.Despite mostly mild weather this week in Europe resorts like Hintertux (20/185cm), Kaunertal (70/110cm) and Pitztal (89/199cm) all enjoyed falling temperatures of around -5C. Hopefully colder, cloudy weather will bring much-needed new snow.

 

FRANCE Nearly all of our featured resorts will be open after this weekend with many ski areas starting up their lifts for the first time on Friday 20th December and Saturday 21st December Les Gets (40/180cm) will be open every day from Saturday along with Les Carroz (10/30cm) and Bonneval sur Arc (40/60cm).On Friday Le Corbier (10/25cm) and Sainte Foy (35/40cm) will offer free skiing when they kick off their ski season while Les Contamines (15/35cm) is also due to open up on Friday.

 

SWITZERLAND On Thursday the cloud finally rolled in, breaking the almost 3 weeks of unbroken sunshine. Saas Fee (20/215cm) was enjoying the colder weather on Thursday with the cloudy skies keeping the snow in better condition. Switzerland is looking forward to lots of expected snowfall over the coming weekend and into next week. Almost a metre could fall at Saas Fee, with the majority of that expected on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

ITALY Cloud has finally replaced bright sunshine at our featured resorts and could bring up to 15cm of new snow in some areas on Friday 20th December.There was poor visibility due to thick cloud and fog at many resorts on Thursday 19th December including Sestriere (60/100cm), Livigno (15/83cm) and La Thuile (10/40cm). However, the cloudy skies could bring fresh snow at all three resorts in the coming days.There are decent on-piste conditions available at most of our resorts after good early-season snowfall. Although there has been no new snow this week Arabba (45/118cm) is providing some of the best conditions with a good snow base and fast skiing on groomed runs.

 

ANRORRA After a sunny start to the week in Andorra the clear weather finally gave way to cloud cover on Thursday 19th December. In the Vallnord region Pal/Arinsal (50/80cm) is expecting much needed snowfall for Friday 20th December.Excellent on-piste conditions are still on offer in Grandvalira where there are very strong snow bases at both Pas de la Casa (90/160cm) and Soldeu (90/160cm). However, there has been no new snow since the beginning of the month with temperatures remaining above freezing for most of the week.

 

GERMANY There has been no new snow this week at our featured resorts. However, all are providing good on-piste skiing with decent snow bases.There was increasing cloud cover at Garmisch (70/135cm) and Lenggries (30/45cm) on Thursday 19th December with snow or rain a possibility. In Feldberg (20/30cm) visibility was very limited at altitude due to heavy fog and cloud.

 

BULGARIA Sunny weather continued on Thursday 19th December at all three of our featured Bulgarian resorts.The best conditions can be found at Pamporovo (30/70cm) which has a good early-season base and decent skiing on piste.There are also fairly good conditions at Bansko (20/30cm) and Borovets (60/70cm) with man-made snow providing good coverage on the lower slopes. There is very little off-piste available however at any of our featured resorts at this stage in the season.

SCOTLAND All our featured Scottish resorts were closed on Thursday 19th December due to a lack of snow but recent stormy weather has allowed fresh snow to fall at many resorts, including Cairngorm.

 

EUROPEAN WEATHER OUTLOOK The snow is set to return just in time for Christmas with consistent snowfall predicted across the Alps next week. France is expecting moderate snowfall before the weekend and Isola 2000 could enjoy up to 80cm before this time next week. Alpe d'Huez and Les Deuz Alpes are also expecting a much-needed half metre of fresh snow next week Zermatt and Saas Fee in Switzerland should benefit from almost a metre of fresh snow over the next nine days while Austrian resorts are also looking forward to moderate snowfall but could have to wait until the end of next week.

Yes Julian, the snow is not melting much during the short day light hours and off course still below freezing for much of the time. The main problem in our part of the Alps is the wearing of the current base. But good news on the horizon as our present snow free period is likely to end on Boxing day with a good fall projected here of about 20cm.

C

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Resort snow depths (From Ski Club GB website) http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/snowreports/snowconditions.aspx

            Upper Lower              Last 7     Piste      OffResort Name piste piste  Last snowed   days   Quality     Piste   Lifts OpenAlpe d'Huez 150cm  20cm 30 Nov (10cm)   0cm      Good    Patchy   18 out of 71Tignes      120cm  40cm 30 Nov  (5cm)   0cm Excellent Windblown   55 out of 60Wengen       50cm  15cm 06 Dec  (3cm)   0cm      Good    Varied    7 out of 19St Moritz    22cm  20cm 29 Nov (10cm)   0cm    Packed   Limited   17 out of 22Mayrhofen   100cm  15cm 06 Dec  (4cm)   0cm    Packed    Varied   16 out of 25

 

As mentioned above, there has been fresh snow for western parts as forecast by the models last week.

 

If we look at snow depths compared to this time last week .

            Upper Lower               Last 7     Piste       OffResort Name piste piste  Last snowed    days   Quality     Piste    Lifts OpenAlpe d'Huez 160cm  41cm 20 Dec (26cm)   29cm    Powder     Fresh  23 out of 71Tignes      120cm  44cm 20 Dec (10cm)   14cm    Powder    Powder  62 out of 64Wengen       50cm  15cm 20 Dec ( 2cm)    2cm      Good    Varied  16 out of 19St Moritz    22cm  20cm 20 Dec ( 3cm)    3cm     Fresh     Fresh  21 out of 22Mayrhofen    60cm   5cm 06 Dec ( 4cm)    0cm    Packed    Varied  18 out of 25

There has been snow at most resorts over the past couple of days, the heaviest in western areas.

Edited by J10
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Going back to the webcams

 

Alpe D Heuz (http://alpedhuez.livecam360.net/) Posted ImagePosted ImageAlpe D Heuz 14 Dec.jpg

St Moritz (http://elparadiso.roundshot.ch/) Posted ImagePosted ImageSt Moritz 14 Dec.jpg

Tignes (http://tignes.livecam360.net/brevieres) Posted ImagePosted ImageTignes 14 Dec.jpg

Wengen (http://bellevue.roundshot.ch/) Posted ImagePosted ImageWengen 14 Dec.jpg

 

Again glorious sunshine across the Alps, all resorts show less snow than last week, but given the mild temps not that much in the way of loss.

 

Webcam Updates

 

Alpe D Heuz (http://alpedhuez.livecam360.net/) post-213-0-38100000-1387640438_thumb.jpg

St Moritz (http://elparadiso.roundshot.ch/) post-213-0-39791400-1387640459_thumb.jpg

Tignes (http://tignes.livecam360.net/brevieres) post-213-0-89310500-1387640578_thumb.jpg

Wengen (http://bellevue.roundshot.ch/) post-213-0-44416900-1387640490_thumb.jpg

 

A lot more snow in Alpe D Heuz, this web-cam is now at resort level, some snow in St Moritz, with little now snow in both Tignes and Wengen.

Edited by J10
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Synoptics

 

post-213-0-69460400-1387633313_thumb.gif

 

(Animated GIF - Europe 850HPa From Saturday 21 Dec to Friday 27 Dec - click to animate)

 

The past couple of weeks have been pretty similar with High Pressure apart from a brief blip with low pressure last weekend.

 

This weekend starts off with High Pressure back in control centred to the West of Italy (1032mb) with mild South Westerlies again for the Alps. The High Pressure moves further east on Sunday and Monday, with South Westerly winds both days, but slightly less mild for the NW Alps on Monday. High Pressure well to the East for Midweek, with mild South Westerly winds on Tuesday

 

For Christmas Day (Wednesday), there will be lower pressure pushing in from the North West, and associated with a colder Polar Maritime air mass, with 850HPA temps around freezing, this will give moderate snowfalls over higher Alps initially, dropping down to resort level later in the day / into Thursday. Heaviest snowfalls in Western areas on Wednesday, this transferring to Eastern areas on Thursday.

 

Cold to start on Friday, but signs of milder South westerlies later in the day. Going forward, a little more unsettled over the Alps, with South Westerlies giving some further snow for higher slopes.

 

850HPa Temps

 

Western Alps – French Alps, Switzerland, Western half Italy and Germany   Eastern Alps – Austria, Eastern half of Italy and  Germany

850HPa Temps Saturday        [West] 0c (S) to +5c (N)	     [East]  0c (S) to +3c (N)	   Sunday		  [West] +1c (S) to +4c (N)	    [East] +1c (S) to +4c (N)	   Monday          [West] +1c to +3c			    [East] +1c to +3c			   Tuesday         [West] +1c (S) to +6c (N)	    [East]  0c (S) to +5c (N)	   Wednesday       [West] -1c (N) to +3c (SW)       [East] +2c (S) to +7c (N)	   Thursday	    [West] -4 to -2c 	            [East] -2c (NW) to +1c (SE)	    	 Friday		  [West] +1c (SE) to +5c (NW)	  [East] -1c (E) to +4c (NW)		

Ensembles

 

Quite mild to start, and then decent agreement on a cool down for a time late next week, massive scatter thereafter,

 

post-213-0-30450500-1387635347_thumb.png post-213-0-80708000-1387635344_thumb.png

 

Precipitation / Snowfall

 

Mostly Dry over the next 72 hours, but around midweek next week, there is moderate to substantial precipitation likely, with up to 50cm of snow possible, the snow level dropping from around 1500m to below 1000m by Thursday.

 

post-213-0-08584600-1387635643_thumb.gif post-213-0-24646400-1387635645_thumb.gif

 

Summary

 

Quite mild and dry to start, but colder mid next week, with some heavy snowfalls on Christmas Day/Boxing Day, becoming more widespread late to resort level. At this stage, it looks as if most of the Alps will see some fresh snow in the next week or so.

Edited by J10
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http://www.snow-forecast.com/overviews/tips_full (Courtesy of SKi Club GB)

 

SNOW NEWS UPDATED 23 DECEMBER 2013

 

INTRODUCTION Snow conditions are improving in Europe with a few French Resorts enjoying good powder skiing this weekend. Heavy snow is set to hit the Alps over Christmas.

 

AUSTRIA There has been no notable new snow over the weekend at our featured resorts but there are still excellent on-piste conditions available.Sunny weather returned to many resorts on Monday 23rd December including St Anton (20/60cm), Lech (45/45cm) and Zurs (45/45cm) and the pistes at all three resorts are in great condition. Austria has had less new snow than neighbouring countries recently so the off-piste is mostly hard-packed and is still to be avoided. However, moderate snowfall is expected at some resorts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

FRANCE Many of our featured resorts enjoyed excellent skiing in deep powder this weekend after good snowfall improved conditions last week Alpe D'Heuz  (42/160cm) and Les Deuz Alpes (15/180cm) enjoyed some of the best conditions with over 20cm of new snow on Friday 20th December. The top up was much needed and some patchy pistes are now well covered.The sun returned to most resorts on Monday 23rd December but more snow is expected on Christmas Day and Boxing Day across the Alps. Many of our featured resorts have now opened up more terrain in preparation for the busy holiday season.

 

SWITZERLAND On the whole it was beautiful day on Monday 23rd December. A handful of resorts received some much welcome snow on Friday 20th December including Les Desirables (10/240cm) and Nendaz (10/85cm) with 20cm and 5cm respectively. Numerous resorts have increased the amount of open lifts for the Christmas crowds and made new skiable terrain available. All featured resorts should enjoy a nice gift of fresh snow on Christmas day, with Saas Fee (20/201cm) forecast for a massive 46cm.

 

ITALY Predominantly sunny weather blessed skiers enjoying the firmly packed on-piste skiing conditions that dominated skiing on Monday 23rd December. There is variable and patchy snow in most locations away from the groomed runs although with a good amount of fresh snow forecast over Christmas and New Year this could all change Courmayeur (20/50cm), in the Aosta Valley, was one of the hotspots for skiing on Monday, with great snow on the groomed runs and some soft snow to enjoy off piste.

 

ANDORRA The sun is back out at our featured resorts which are all offering good skiing on piste to kick off Christmas week.All 15 lifts are now open at Arcalis (40/110cm) in the Vallnord region in time for the holiday crowds and just three remain shut at Pal/Arinsal (50/80cm).There is good snow coverage in Grandvalira at Pas de la Casa (90/170cm) and Soldeu (90/160cm) although the best skiing can still be found on piste. All four resorts are expecting cloudier weather for Christmas day and could receive some new snow.

 

GERMANY All of our featured skiing destinations are now open for the season. The skiing across the resorts is on packed snow cover on piste, with variable and patchy snow cover away from the groomed runs. It was mostly sunny on Monday 23rd December although low, dense cloud cover did limit visibility at Feldberg (15/20cm) where patchy snow cover affects some of the pistes.The higher slopes, such as on the Zugspitze at Garmisch (65/130cm), have great snow cover on the groomed runs, so if you want to hone your carving and piste skiing technique then heading high can work well.Clouds are forecast to move in on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with a chance of fresh snow.

 

BULGARIA Our three featured resorts all enjoyed a light dusting of snow on Friday 20th December but conditions are still mostly hard-packed on piste Pamporovo (30/70cm) received 5cm on Friday and there was good, fast skiing on well-groomed runs and sunny skies on offer on Monday 23rd December.Conditions are similar at Borovets (70/80cm) and Bansko (30/50cm) where the best skiing can be found on piste as, apart from trace snowfall on Friday, there has been no recent new snow.

 

EUROPEAN WEATHER OUTLOOK It is shaping up to be a very snowy Christmas Day in Europe with almost half a metre expected at some Swiss resorts including Saas Fee and Zermatt. After a sunny start to the week France is expecting moderate snowfall over Christmas and Alpe D'Heuz and Les Deuz Alpes are predicting around 60cm over the next nine days.Less snow is expected in Austria but resorts will receive much-needed top ups over the Christmas period with the most snow falling at some resorts on Boxing Day. It is a similar story in other European countries but Italy is expecting plenty of Christmas powder. Livigno could have the best conditions with 30cm set to hit the resort on Wednesday 25th December.

Edited by J10
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Posted
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK
  • Weather Preferences: Northeasterly Blizzard and sub zero temperatures.
  • Location: Ski Amade / Pongau Region. Somtimes Skipton UK

Morning, snow duly arrived overnight. Plenty at elevation above 1500m ( also freezing level ). More like wet sleety snow around 1000m level.

 C

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http://www.snow-forecast.com/overviews/tips_full (From SKi Club GB)

 

http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/snowreports/overview/default.aspx

 

INTRODUCTION Skiers and snowboarders in Europe enjoyed a Boxing Day to remember with extremely heavy snowfall in both Italy and Switzerland.

 

AUSTRIA There was good snowfall over the Christmas period with many of our featured resorts enjoying powder conditions on Friday 27th December Neustift (40/210cm) saw 100cm of snow build up over Boxing Day making for extremely deep powder skiing on Friday. There was also very deep snow across the resort in Obergurgl (60/150cm) where 80cm fell overnight on Friday. There were also excellent conditions at Kaunertal (66/104cm) and Pitztal (110/255cm) which received 20cm and 55cm respectively. Lech (50/50cm) and Zurs (50/50cm) also enjoyed a powder day on Friday after 15cm of new snow fell the previous day.

 

FRANCE All of our featured resorts have reported fresh snow over the Christmas period, dramatically improving the conditions in the Alps and the Pyrenees, although the snowfall was heaviest in the Alps. La Grave (50/110cm) was open on Friday 27th December with excellent snow cover and access provided on both main lifts. The glacier drag lift was closed for the day. The resort patrol was warning of snow-slab risk though due to the heavy fresh snowfall and wind, following 50cm of fresh snow landing on Boxing Day. If you are heading out to the French Alps, or are there already, the skiing is vastly improved but care is required if you do wish to head away from the patrolled runs. Most of the resorts have received 20-40cm of fresh snow, with some reporting more than this. Friday was a predominantly sunny day, although clouds are forecast to move back in over the weekend with a chance of further snowfall.

 

SWITZERLAND All of our featured resorts enjoyed new snow over Christmas with close to a metre of powder falling at both Saas Fee (94/279cm) and Zermatt (70/300cm) on Thursday 26th December. There was also heavy snow at Andermatt (55/350cm) on Boxing Day and the following day, as 40cm of fresh powder fell overnight on Friday 27th December, giving the ski area a fantastic upper snow depth. Similar amounts fell at Gstaad (20/280cm), Grimentz (30/100cm) and Grindelwald (30/99cm) as conditions drastically changed in the Swiss Alps with most resorts now enjoying excellent coverage.

 

ITALY The conditions across the resorts have dramatically improved with a metre, or more, of fresh snow reported at many locations including Arabba (140/215cm), Chiesa (80/190cm), Cortina (75/150cm), Madesimo (200/280cm), Passo Tonale (50/300cm) and Val Senales (40/290cm) Madesimo is in fantastic shape with fresh snowfall of well over a metre. Great skiing can be enjoyed here on the marked runs. There has been wind at altitude at many locations though. Passo Tonale is warning that visitors should stick to the marked runs and not venture off piste due to the wind loading that has occurred. It is very important to check local conditions with the resort to see where you are allowed to ski at the moment in Italy. Friday 27th December was a sunny day in Italy, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the superb piste conditions. Clouds are forecast to move in again before New Year, bringing further fresh snowfall.

 

ANDORRA Our featured resorts enjoyed a relatively snowy Christmas period with all four resorts experience new snow on Friday 26th December Arcalis (50/120cm) and Pal/Arinsal (90/120cm) both woke up to around 30cm of new snow and sunny skies on Friday. There were excellent conditions across the ski areas as a result. In Grandvalira Pas de la Casa (100/170cm) and Soldeu (90/160cm) also received new snow on Friday with about 10cm falling at both resorts overnight.

 

GERMANY The conditions have improved following the wintry weather that moved in over the Christmas break. Fresh snow has been reported at all of our featured resorts, which has freshened up the on-piste skiing conditions. There is still variable snow off piste with some thin and bare patches in places, but with more snow forecast over the coming days this could further improve.

 

BULGARIA There was no new snow at our featured resorts over Christmas with all three offering good skiing on hard-packed pistes. There was thick cloud and poor visibility at both Pamporovo (30/70cm) and Borovets (70/80cm) on Friday 27th December. Bansko (30/50cm) provided the best conditions on firm pistes although there was heavy cloud cover.

 

EUROPEAN WEATHER OUTLOOK Resorts in Europe are set to receive more snow this weekend before scattered flurries in the Alps next week. Skiers in France can look forward to a clear mid-week in which to enjoy recent snowfalls but Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes are expecting a further half-metre by the end of the week. It is a similar story across most of Europe with Italy expecting a snowy start to the week before the sun returns mid-week. La Thuile is predicting around 30cm before next weekend while Verbier in Switzerland could provide the best conditions with up to 40cm expected.

Edited by J10
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I am going to start the weekend round-up with a look at current conditions after the recent snow over the Alps by looking at the Web cams and Snow conditions are selected resorts.

 

Last Week

 

As mentioned above, there has been fresh snow for western parts as forecast by the models last week.

 

If we look at snow depths compared to this time last week .

            Upper Lower               Last 7     Piste       OffResort Name piste piste  Last snowed    days   Quality     Piste    Lifts OpenAlpe d'Huez 160cm  41cm 20 Dec (26cm)   29cm    Powder     Fresh  23 out of 71Tignes      120cm  44cm 20 Dec (10cm)   14cm    Powder    Powder  62 out of 64Wengen       50cm  15cm 20 Dec ( 2cm)    2cm      Good    Varied  16 out of 19St Moritz    22cm  20cm 20 Dec ( 3cm)    3cm     Fresh     Fresh  21 out of 22Mayrhofen    60cm   5cm 06 Dec ( 4cm)    0cm    Packed    Varied  18 out of 25

There has been snow at most resorts over the past couple of days, the heaviest in western areas.

 

This Week

 

Note no webcams have been included, these are better at the start of the season with no snow depths available, in season snow depths are more important.

			 Upper Lower			   Last 7      Piste      OffResort Name piste piste  Last snowed    days    Quality    Piste    Lifts OpenAlpe d'Huez 210cm  68cm 26 Dec (40cm)   41cm  Excellent   Powder  55 out of 71Tignes	  130cm  58cm 26 Dec (25cm)   25cm  Excellent   Powder  64 out of 79Wengen	   80cm  40cm 26 Dec (30cm)   30cm     Powder   Powder  19 out of 19St Moritz   132cm  86cm 26 Dec (34cm)   34cm     Powder   Powder  22 out of 22Mayrhofen    60cm   5cm 26 Dec (10cm)   10cm      Fresh    Fresh  25 out of 25
Edited by J10
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Synoptic Pattern

 

post-213-0-33107200-1388232461_thumb.gif

 

Click on Chart to see animation. 850HPa from Saturday 28 Dec to Friday 3 January

 

The basic pattern is westerly driven, with low pressure for the North Atlantic pushing east and with High pressure further south also moving East at times. There is an alternating pattern of colder Polar Maritime airmass and a much milder Tropical Maritime airmass.

 

Saturday - Mild South Westerly winds with low pressure over the Alps.

 

Sunday - A bit colder with North Westerly winds initially then High Pressure riding in from the South West.

 

Monday - Settled, with the High Pressure now fully over the Alps, temps around 0c 850HPA.

 

Tuesday / Wednesday - More Unsettled from the west with milder South Westerly winds pushing in. and a Tropical Maritime airmass. 

 

Thursday / Friday - Remaining Unsettled but with winds turning round to more of a westerly, turning a bit colder again, moreso for Northern parts of the Alps.

 

850HPa Temps

 

Western Alps – French Alps, Switzerland, Western half Italy and Germany   Eastern Alps – Austria, Eastern half of Italy and  Germany

Saturday        [West] 0c (S) to +5c (N)		 [East]  0c (S) to +8c (NE)	   Sunday		  [West] -3c (N) to -1c (S)	    [East] -3c (N) to 0c (S)			 Monday          [West] -2c to -1c			    [East] -3c to -1c			    Tuesday         [West] -1c (S) to +4c (N)	    [East]  -1c (S) to +3c (NW)		  Wednesday	   [West] -1c (S) to +2c (N)	    [East] -1c (S) to +2c (N)	   Thursday	    [West] 0c (S) to +2c (N)		 [East] 0c (S) to +4c (N)		 Friday		  [West] 0c (N) to +2c (S)		 [East] -1c (N) to +1c (S)		  

Ensembles

 

post-213-0-52469100-1388234748_thumb.png post-213-0-73885900-1388234750_thumb.png

 

Good agreement initially on the cool down tomorrow and the subsequent rise before midweek, a lot of uncertainty after this.

 

Precipitation / Summary

 

post-213-0-03503000-1388234786_thumb.gif

 

Looking at precipitation, quite a lot for western areas over the next 24 hours before transferring over to Eastern areas by Monday. Most of this precipitation will fall as snow, as freezing level set to fall back to 1000-1400m.

 

Further precipitation is likely as it turns more unsettled midweek and with freezing levels around 1600-1800m, snowfall restricted to higher resorts. But detail on this is uncertain at the moment.

Edited by J10
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Posted
  • Location: Chatel
  • Weather Preferences: Large quantities of snow.
  • Location: Chatel

It seems to have been missed  on this thread but ....

 

"Updated: 10.30am Friday 27 December 2013 – Record-breaking snowfall for parts of the southern Alps…

 

Snowfall figures are prone to overstatement, but it would be no exaggeration to say that parts of southern Switzerland and northern Italy are emerging from one of the greatest snow storms ever witnessed in the Alps..." more info from www.weathertoski.co.uk

Edited by Chatel Snow
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