Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Five resorts with the snow factor - now

3rd February 2011, by Chris Gill

Formigal powder

Looking at the recent snowfalls across Europe … or lack of them for some regions … we pick five resorts that have welcomed a return to winter during the past week.

It may be sunny now, but at least the pistes were significantly refreshed in the latest dumps and have splendid conditions right now.

Saalbach (50/100cm)

It’s a low resort for Austria, with one side of its valley particularly sunny. We advise booking late when you know the snow to be good – so go now, it is! Saalbach-Hinterglemm scored well in last week’s snowfall, with locals reporting good powder skiing. With half a metre of snow falling last week, the snow base has risen to one of the healthiest in Austria. The skiing is extensive, linked to Leogang in the next valley, the lift system impressively slick.

Will it snow again this week?

In a word, no. Nothing is forecast and the temperature expected to rise quite significantly. But the on piste conditions remain grippy and soft at present.

Alternative Austria: Waidring gained 40-50cm snow last week, on the best dumps. Wildschonau (50/100cm) is also reporting excellent conditions. 30cm new snow on 26 January.

Sauze d’Oulz (80/160cm)

Resorts of the Milky Way share an erratic snow record. Not on this occasion: they enjoy some of the best slope conditions in Italy at present. They are easy to reach from Turin, and you could combine with the rest of the Val Susa – Bardonecchia has also been enjoying super conditions. Heavy snowfall last week raised the base depths significantly and it has stayed sufficiently cold to keep good grippy pistes too. Tree skiing is an asset on poor weather days here.

Will it snow again this week?

Again a sunny week all round. But this extensive area has lots to occupy a visitor. Most lifts are open and there are still pockets of powder to be found.

Alternative Italy: Bardonecchia (60/120cm) or La Thuile (80/200) in the Aosta Valley – delightfully quiet pistes and excellent conditions.

Engelberg (40/310cm)

An excellent short break choice, with a reliable snow record because of its high slopes and glacier on Mt Titlis. The transfers from Zurich and Luzern are simple and quick. The resort has a station too. This central part of Switzerland benefited from a few snow showers last week, and there is great skiing on the mountain at present. The snow base of 3m is one of the best in the Alps, if it is to be fully believed (but the resort does start early ..) While best suited to intermediates, Engelberg has a great separate sector Brunni that appeals to families and novices.

Will is snow again this week?

Unlikely. More of the Alpine sunshine in prospect, interspersed with some cloud. Get that camera out and take advantage of the views.

Alternative Switzerland: Arosa (60/100cm) gained 15cm of new snow last week.

Isola 2000 (110/215cm)

Close to Nice if you want to take advantage of the French sunshine. Purpose-built Isola was one of the few French resorts to gain new snow last week. Accumulations amounted to 15cm, which has refreshed the pistes. There is some good skiing to be found, although some slopes remain firmly packed after January’s drought.

Will it snow again this week?

Some precipitation is moving south through France, although it is unlikely to reach Isola. The prospect is for sunshine until the weekend. Well, see.

Alternative France: Head for high slopes like Val d’Isére. The Maurienne and Risoul (70/140cm) received a dusting and look healthy.

Formigal (65/150cm)

A real winner this season so far. Formigal’s regular snowfalls put the Spanish resort way ahead in the Pyrenees, and much of the Alps. A resort known for its expert skiing has the powder wanted too, but there are good slopes for all abilities. Up to a metre fell last week. There is little tree skiing here, so it’s good that the sunshine has returned too.

Will it snow again this week?

Further snow flurries are forecast, which should keep the slopes in great shape.

Alternative Spain / Pyrenees: Baréges-La Mongie (35/90cm) looks good on the French side. Sierra Nevada reports a whopping 5m snow base (hard to believe) but they have had lots of fresh snow recently.

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