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Snow overview Europe: 15 February

15th February 2010, by Chris Gill

Sunny Thyon, four Valleys

Summary

Following moderate snowfalls mid-week, much of Europe has enjoyed a settled weekend and some sunshine – lovely conditions under a short spell of high pressure. Mind you, it has been bitterly cold at times – even arctic, with a wind chill attached (brrr!) –the kind of thing where you’d want to avoid those numbing, exposed lifts.

The piste conditions are generally at their best right now, though a little firm to start the day. Off-piste is variable and the increase in holiday visitors means you might to have to go a-hunting for that powder stash.

The Alps

Most places have not received fresh snow since last Thursday, save a few flurries here and there. Valley fog has lingered at times in Austria, but essentially resorts there have enjoyed a fine few days – though Kaprun (47/120cm) reports 2cm fresh snow on the glacier on Sunday. Schladming (90/110cm) has a good cover of packed powder though it is expected to warm-up significantly by the end of this week – in advance of a lively south-westerly foehn wind. Similarly in Switzerland, cloud cover has been variable with more towards the south. Saas Fee received 10cm snow on 11 Feb. Strong winds kept the lifts on hold in Verbier for a time, but here too it has been sunny and cold.

In France, snow fell over several days last week, bringing a welcome refresh to the pistes. Chamonix (100/140cm), Flaine (96/285cm) and Val Thorens (120/180cm) are all in fine fettle. And there is more forecast later this week, though a return to fog and cloud won’t be quite so welcome. Most Italian resorts, except the Dolomites, haven’t received any fresh snow for a week or so but are still enjoying decent on-piste conditions. Alagna (40/165cm) doesn’t come close to its upper 3m snow base of last season, but received another dusting this week that seemed to bypass other resorts in the region.

Snow also fell consistently over two to three days in the German Alps. Low cloud and poor visibility were a problem in Mittenwald, Lenggries (60/100cm) and Garmisch (30/220cm) for a time but the pistes are in great shape as a result. And it’s gloriously sunny there today.

The Pyrenees, Scandinavia, Bulgaria

Like the Alps, the Pyrenees has enjoyed a spell of settled weather. Snow refreshed Grandvalira on Friday (9cm) and it has been cold too. Packed powder is reported in Vallnord, with sunny spells. Basically, some good riding out there too.

In Scandinavia, it has been more overcast with persistent cloud. It hasn’t been particularly cold but no significant snow either. Light snowfall has improved Bulgarian resorts in the past week, with more falling in Pamporovo on Sunday ngiht. It hasn’t been quite as cold as in the Alps though.

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