Glacier resorts’ great start

14th November 2005, by Chris Gill

Glacier resorts across Europe are leading the way into winter with good snow conditions and snow forecast this week.

Recent snowfalls and impressive summer ski conditions have ensured several resorts in Switzerland, Austria and Italy are starting the 2005/06 season well, with glaciers now opening for business. Current low temperatures and snow forecast mid-week should boost depths which had receded during a spell of warmer weather in October.

The best conditions can be found in the Swiss top two, Saas Fee and Zermatt, where more snow is forecast on Wednesday.  Five glacier runs are open in Saas Fee and nine in Zermatt.  Les Diablerets has opened for weekend skiing.  Engelberg has recovered from the damage caused by the summer floods and expects to open on 19 November. Guests will be able to test-drive the latest snowboard equipment on the Titlis glacier, courtesy of the Boardlocal testing centre.

Across in Italy, an impressive 30cm snow fell on the Presena glacier, above Passo Tonale, last week and runs there are now open daily.  Cervinia has opened three lifts on the Plateau Rosa. The Austrian hubs of Hintertux, Solden and Stubai are skiing well, with cloudy skies hopefully promising another top-up. France has yet to receive any substantial snowfall, with only Tignes offering any snow sports at present.

Resorts are now preparing for their full winter 2005/06 opening schedule in a few weeks’ time.

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