Over the past couple of weeks there has been some respite from what, at times, has felt like non-stop snow this season. That has meant blue skies, perfect pistes conditions and a little bit of backcountry to enjoy.
With a very different season to last year taking place and with resorts pumping out snow from their snow making facilities, even on powder days, the Alps are in possibly the best condition for skiing in my lifetime. But following the respite from the snow, and despite the super cold, almost Siberian temperatures, the next 9 days will see some sunny days and temperatures returning to snow making levels — with snow forecast from Sunday onwards. The snowfall is pretty uniform according to the long range forecast, with the likes of Les Arcs, Meribel and Val d'Isere all set for the same levels of fresh snow.
Temperatures in France will vary from 2°C in the afternoons to as low as -15°C at night. The cold nights will help with slope maintenance, and the warmer afternoons will make for pleasant skiing and softer slopes my mid-late afternoon — perfect for March skiing. The long range weather forecast, however, shows a return of snow showers to France from Monday, with forecasts of 4-6cm by Tuesday and more snow to follow.
Austria offers similar conditions with temperatures reaching up to 2°C in the afternoon's mid-week, but back to maximum temperatures in the minus ranges by the weekend. The snow is a slightly better story with 10-12cm forecast between Sunday and Tuesday, as snow showers are expected to arrive next week. Ischgl will boast the biggest snow fall of 6-8cm on Tuesday.
Switzerland is set for the largest snowfall, should the nine day forecast come to fruition. St. Moritz and Davos could boast as much as 18cm between Sunday and Tuesday, with up to 10cm expected on Tuesday alone. Most resorts should gain at least 6cm of snow. As for this week the temperatures are ranging between an über cold -18°C at night, and a very skiable 2°C during the day.
So, as a fantastic season carries on giving, we will have a week of topping up your tan and enjoying a glass of vino or two out on the sundecks — just remember to wrap up warm. Next week will bring more snowfall, offering a typical March of snow, sunshine, snow, sunshine and lots of happy skiers.
The Snowman
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