2013 has arrived and the mountains are covered in a thick blanket of snow. There may not be huge amounts forecast for this weekend, though Austria and parts of North America are expecting around 15cm, so here's a run down of what great shape the mountains are in.
December bought us some serious snowfall, some cold temperatures and not too much wind, meaning there's a fantastic coverage on the slopes across the Alps.
France has had a cracking start to the season and boasts more snow than anywhere else. A week without snow means though enjoying the January deals can enjoy pristine slopes and sunshine thanks to the huge dump in December. The current snow depths on the upper slopes are as follows:
- Alpe d'Huez 246cm
- Avoriaz 220cm
- Chamonix 350cm
- Courchevel 173cm
- La Rosiere 275cm
- La Plagne 220cm
- Les Arcs 249cm
- Les Deux Alpes 180cm
- Meribel 180cm
- Tignes 240cm
- Val d'Isere 250cm
- Val Thorens 220cm
Switzerland is also in fantastic condition right now. The combination of high altitude skiing, glaciers galore and great snow throughout December makes for perfect slopes. Okay, so you may need to hike a couple of hours with a guide to hit the pow, but if pristine pistes is your thing, then you'll be in heaven!
- Anderamtt 370cm
- Crans Montana 230cm
- Davos 116cm
- Engleberg 290cm
- Flims Laax 215cm
- Murren 180cm
- Nendaz 230cm
- Saas Fee 231cm
- Verbier 230cm
- Zermatt 195cm
Austria is forecast around 15cm of snow over the weekend, with the lion's share expected today. Following suit, the slopes are also looking great considering the heavy snowfall that has fallen in recent weeks. Motorway skiing and après ski are most definitely on the menu for the next 7 days!
- Ischgl 150cm
- Kaprun 150cm
- Kitzbuhel 110cm
- Lech 195cm
- Obergurgl 210cm
- Saalbach 105cm
- Solden 172cm
- Soll 110cm
- St. Anton 160cm
- Montafon 160cm
Italy has also had a strong start to the season, though Italy often lags behind France and Switzerland for snow in the early and late season, conditions are looking pretty good right now! There is light snow forecast over the weekend then sunshine for a perfect week on the slopes.
- Arabba 156cm
- Bardonecchia 120cm
- Cervinia 240cm
- Courmayeur 160cm
- La Thuile 200cm
- Livigno 176cm
- Madesimo 205cm
- Passo Tonale 220cm
- Sauze d'Oulx 140cm
- Sestriere 140cm
It's been a fab start to the season with loads of snow and now we have some sunshine to enjoy the slopes at their finest. Pack thermals, sunscreen and your carvers. Transceivers, fat skis and hiring a guide may have to wait a couple more weeks.
Happy New Year,
The Snowman
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