Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Glacier watch: 7 July

7th July 2010, by Wendy King

Tignes in July

Things are a bit more settled in the Alps at present, with lots of lovely sunshine to bask in – though it is a little cloudier in Austria at present. There has not been little fresh snow to report for a while, but the glaciers are holding up reasonably well. Unfortunately, the warm weather and recent rainfall has meant some snow loss. But all the main resorts are still offering sufficient slopes.

Austria

The only place to report recent snowfall is the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, claiming 9cm. Elsewhere, some rainfall has meant snow loss. Fog and low cloud have reduced visibility on the slopes on Wednesday 7 July, but some sunshine is expected over the next couple of days. If you don’t fancy the skiing on the Kitz, why not bike up the mountain? The Mountain Bike Snow Climb is set for 7 August, when there’s a 18km challenge to cycle up to the glacier slopes – 1500m vertical! As well as the serious biking, there will be various fun races too.

The Hintertux glacier still offers the best summer skiing in Austria, with 20km slopes open and 9 lifts. Settled snow depths are good at 195cm, but it hasn’t snowed up there significantly since 20 June – more would be welcome to keep the corn snow in shape.

The Molltal glacier is also open for business, but with only a limited 9km slopes at present. But the area has the best snow cover at 230cm.

Switzerland

It’s a similar situation in the two Swiss summer ski areas: Saas Fee and Zermatt have been providing visitors with some splendid Alpine sunshine over the past few weeks; little fresh snow to report though. Saas Fee reopened last week, with four runs and a terrain park in action – preparing for the big freestyle ‘Ride’ event shortly.

France

There has been little change in weather conditions, but Les Deux Alpes currently offers the most terrain. It’s very warm though this week, so the snow will soften quickly once the morning sun gets to work. Tignes is also providing some decent vertical. Rain / snow is forecast for later in the week.

Italy

It’s bright and sunny in Italy too at present. Two main areas are open: Cervinia (sharing slopes with Zermatt) and Val Senales. But often overlooked is the summer only area of Passo Stelvio, near Bormio. This ski area is open from the end of May until November, and a popular training ground for the Italian racing teams. Judging by our pic here, the slopes are looking good.

---

Back to features