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Glacier watch: 13 May

13th May 2010, by Chris Gill

Hintertux glacier on Thursday 13 May

We’re in that lull period at present, when several glacier resorts take a break before starting summer ski operations. But there are still half a dozen or so areas open in Austria, a few in Switzerland and the Presena glacier in Italy. Further afield, they are still talking fresh snow in the US – and there are one or two resorts open for business.

It has been a predominently cloudy week over much of the Alps, with milder weather and little fresh snow for the glaciers. There is little change forecast for the next few days either.

Austria

The lifts remain open at five Austrian resorts at present, with some of the best conditions on the Hintertux and Stubai glaciers. Both have fairly extensive terrain on offer, with spring corn snow. The Stubai has 16 lifts running and Hintertux 43km slopes. You can also still ski at the Kitzsteinhorn (117cm) slopes above Kaprun, at Kauntertal and at Pitztal – although both of these areas are about to close for the season. Snow showers are forecast for the next few days above 2800m.

France

There is no skiing or boarding available in France at the moment. You’ll have to wait until next month for the main areas to reopen for summer snow sports.

Italy

The only resort offering May skiing is the Presena glacier, above Passo Tonale. It actually has some of the most challenging terrain of the glacier resorts, with red and black runs – unlike the usual gentle blues normally associated with glacier skiing. And is has a deep snow base at present, with good conditions. The area closes late June, but will be joined shortly by the Passo Stelvio summer ski area near Bormio; only open in summer, in fact.

Switzerland

Switzerland has three areas still offering skiing and boarding: Engelberg (open until 24 May), Diavolezza in St Moritz and Zermatt – leader of the pack and with the best of the snow cover. Last week’s snowfall has helped to keep the pistes in decent shape for the time of year too. You can no longer ski over to Cervinia, its skiing has now closed until late June. It has been fairly cloudy at times this week, which has meant poor visibility on the high Zermatt runs; but the lifts have been open

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