Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Snow overview: 22 April

22nd April 2010, by Chris Gill

Chamonix, still going strong 22 April

We’re into the very last few days of the season, and guess what? It has been snowing again… Well, just a bit. It’s sad to see the big brown patches appearing again as winter retreats, but there have been further bursts of spring snowfall across the Alps during the past week, and in Scandinavia – where around 15 resorts are still open for business. So what’s happening where?

This is our last full overview of the season, but we will be keeping you updated on the summer ski scene and what’s going on down south. Over to, er … Glacier Watch

Austria

Well, Austrian high resorts received a welcomed top-up of 10-25cm on their upper mountains, followed by a mostly sunny week since. Of course, this really only affects slopes well above 2000m – but every little helps. Many of the non-glacier resorts close this coming weekend (the Arlberg, for example), though Ischgl and Obergurgl will keep going for another week or so. Obertauern has also been open, with a good choice of runs available. Of the glacier areas, Stubai (180cm) is open until mid-June and the Molltal, Pitztal and Kaunertal areas until mid-May.

France

Most French resorts close for the season this weekend; one or two of the biggies (Val Thorens, Tignes, Chamonix) keep going a bit longer. And snow cover has been pretty decent for the time of year, so typical spring skiing – best at altitude. Chamonix received fresh snow in the past week (10cm or so). And don’t forget Les Deux Alpes – with it’s high glacier runs, it enjoys a summer season too. Many slopes are eerily quiet now, and with facilities shutting down for the season. Still, it gives the opportunity to enjoy French mountains without the crowds! The weather is set fair for the next few days, with it forecast to get warmer. Next week looks like being a little more unsettled.

Italy

There is limited skiing available in Italian resorts now, but those open have enjoyed a splendid spring week. Madonna di Campilgio has excellent snow cover for the time of year, as we pointed out in our recent news item – gaining 22cm fresh powder this week. The resort will close on 25 April. Elsewhere, Livigno is still open with plenty to offer if you are making the trek over there!

Switzerland

Snow has fallen recently in past of eastern Switzerland, sprucing-up the snow quality for resorts still open there. One of the long-season regulars is Samnaun, where they will play out the season with Ischgl until 2 May. The best conditions are up at Alp Trida and on the Ischgl side; elsewhere Samnaun’s slopes face the sun, so will be hard work (surprised the runs to resort are still open – but they are ..) It hasn’t snowed in Saas Fee since 4 April, but there are still 13 lifts running and good cover on the glacier. Engelberg is also operating its lifts into May, with skiing on the Titlis sector.

Elsewhere

Germany’s Zugspitz glacier received 20cm fresh snowfall in the recent showers, with good red slopes open. And Scandinavian resorts are enjoying decent spring ski conditions. Most Swedish resorts will close this week, though in Norway one or two continue well into summer – Riksgransen (on the border, but in Sweden) and Stryn are summer ski venues.

North America

It’s California or Colorado really, though Timberline is also a ‘long-stay’ in terms of snow. The weather has calmed down over there now, particularly in the west. Arapahoe Basin in Colorado received a moderate fall of 10cm fresh powder and plans a June closure.

All eyes to the glaciers, and to the southern hemisphere now (yes, it’s cooling off there with the first flakes of the season reported both in NZ and Australia … )

---

---

Back to features