Europe Weekly Roundup #269

Alps Record Freezing Temperatures and Heavy Snowfall

• Over 50 resorts are now operational, with the French Alps joining the fray and heavy snowfalls creating excellent early conditions across Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
• Temperatures in the Alps dropped as low as -20°C, supporting snowmaking and ensuring prime conditions for upcoming openings in Eastern Europe and the Pyrenees.
• Scandinavian slopes are expanding offerings, Scotland embraces early snowfall, and North America's season is in full swing, highlighting a strong start to winter sports worldwide.

World Overview

We have passed the 100 mark for the number of ski areas already open for the 24-25 ski season. North America is leading the way, with many of the country's best-known ski areas now open ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. More resorts have been opening in Asia and Europe, the latter seeing the French ski season start on Saturday. Over 50 resorts are now open across seven countries. Early season conditions appear fairly good in most areas, with few ski areas announcing delays to their planned opening dates so far. The Alps received a significant amount of snow last week, followed by very cold weather, which has certainly helped. In North America, where the East Coast has had the slowest build-up to the season, there has been cold weather and some of the best November snowfalls of the past week, which should help turn things around. Elsewhere, conditions remain mostly cold and snowy as we near the start of December and meteorological winter.

Europe

Europe Overview

It’s a pretty positive picture for most of Europe’s main ski resorts as we approach the next four weekends, during which thousands of areas are due to open for the season. Temperatures in the Alps have dropped as low as -20°C, following significant snowfalls in the latter half of last week, with up to a meter of snowfall reported on higher slopes. Ski resorts have generally been opening as planned, and more than 50 are now operational, with the French ski season finally kicking off in Tignes and Val Thorens. This coming weekend, we expect the first centers in Eastern Europe and the Pyrenees to open as well.

Austria Report

Austrian ski areas saw decent snowfalls last week, with snow reaching the valley floors. Overnight temperatures at higher altitudes dropped as low as -20°C. This was a significant boost after a warm, dry, and sunny November, allowing most resorts to activate their snowmaking systems ahead of the season. The 10th Austrian area to open this season, Obertauern (20/30cm / 8/12”), started operations over the weekend, albeit with only a few kilometers of terrain available. Schladming (30/40cm / 12/16”) also launched its 24-25 season. Sölden (5/47cm / 2/19”) is the standout, with up to 70km (43 miles) of slopes open. Obergurgl (30/60cm / 12/24”) isn’t far behind, with about 50km (31 miles) of slopes. Hintertux (10/85cm / 4/34”) and the Stubai Glacier (5/40cm / 2/26”) both have around 40km (25 miles) of runs available. Gurgl hosted the third round of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup races over the weekend. Half a dozen more Austrian areas, including Ischgl, are set to open this weekend. Ischgl often has the most terrain open in Europe on day one, sometimes exceeding 100km.

Austria Forecast

A mostly cold but occasionally sunny forecast is expected for the rest of the week, allowing snowmaking to continue. Some additional snowfall is also anticipated.

France Report

The French ski season finally got underway last weekend, with Tignes (72/100cm / 29/40”) and Val Thorens (0/100cm / 0/40”) starting their seasons. Val Thorens had the most terrain open on day one, with about 28km (18 miles) of runs. “Thanks to the return of cold weather, continuous snowfall this week, and the efforts of our teams, we are able to operate several key lifts and magic carpets,” said a Val Thorens spokesperson. Significant snowfall over the past week has improved conditions, and with almost all of the country’s ski areas opening over the next three weekends, the outlook is much brighter than it was a week ago. Another wave of French ski areas is expected to open this weekend, including Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix Valley (Grands Montets), Les 2 Alpes, and Montgenèvre, among others.

France Forecast

Mostly sunny weather is expected, but temperatures will remain cold, with snow showers likely on higher slopes.

Italy Report

More Italian ski resorts started their seasons last weekend, including iconic destinations such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, where skiing commenced on the Col Gallina slopes, and Madonna di Campiglio, among others. The season started after substantial snowfalls across the country, with Cervinia (0/170cm / 0/68") in the northwest recording over 50cm (20") of fresh snow as it opened more terrain connected to Zermatt. Since the weekend, sunnier weather has dominated, but temperatures have remained cold, with the freezing point mostly at or below 1,000m—beneath the base of most ski areas. This has provided excellent snowmaking conditions, particularly overnight. However, not all the news is positive; Bormio announced a six-day delay in its opening date despite terrain extending up to 3,000m. “Originally scheduled for November 30th, the opening of lifts and slopes has been postponed due to current weather conditions and upcoming forecasts. While Friday's snowfall covered the peaks around Bormio, the accumulation wasn’t substantial enough due to low temperatures and strong winds,” a spokesperson said.

Italy Forecast

A cold but largely sunny end to the week is expected for Italy after a midweek weather front passes through. Daytime temperatures will remain a few degrees above freezing, dropping to between -6°C and -9°C overnight.

Switzerland Report

The Swiss ski season continues to gain momentum, with a dozen resorts open last weekend. Many celebrated new snowfall of 30-60cm (1-2 feet) in the final days of last week. Andermatt (0/30cm / 12”), Arosa (15/25cm / 6/10”), and Davos (17/18cm / 7/7”) were among the latest to open, initially offering a few kilometers of slopes with thin early-season snow cover. Most Swiss resorts that have opened are still operating only on weekends, but daily openings will begin from next weekend. The heaviest snowfall was in the west of the country, where Verbier (30/55cm / 12/22”) recorded 30cm of fresh snow at resort level and about double that higher up. Zermatt (0/170cm / 0/68”) remains the leader in terrain, with up to 33km (21 miles) open. Many areas enjoyed sunny weather over the weekend, with mixed conditions since then and temperatures staying low. Switzerland Forecast Mixed conditions are expected, with predominantly low temperatures that will support continued snowmaking at most levels. Some snowfall is also in the forecast, along with more clouds and less sunshine than earlier in the month.

Pyrenees Report

The ski season in the Pyrenees is expected to begin this coming weekend. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much snowfall so far, and temperatures have not been as cold as ideal. The freezing point has hovered around 2,000m for much of the past few weeks, with only light snowfalls of a few centimeters in most areas. Despite this, some of the largest resorts, including Spain’s Baqueira Beret and Andorra’s Grandvalira, are preparing to open.

Pyrenees Forecast

A largely sunny end to the week is expected in the Pyrenees, with temperatures ranging from freezing up to +5°C.

Scandinavia Report

Scandinavia’s ski season is picking up pace, with more small centers opening. However, the larger resorts are yet to join them. In Sweden, Tärnaby (20/30cm / 8/12”) became the second center to open, alongside Kåbdalis (40/50cm / 16/20”), both offering about a kilometer of slopes. In Norway, Oppdal (10/30cm / 4/12”) is also open but with limited terrain. Meanwhile, Finland is seeing more of its larger areas, such as Ylläs (10/30cm / 4/12”) and Pyhä (10/40cm / 4/16"), joining Levi (40/40cm / 16/16") and Ruka (40/40cm / 16/16"), although they too have only a few kilometers of slopes available. Northern Scandinavia is largely below freezing and entering polar night, while southern areas experience a greater temperature range from -12°C to +8°C. Light snowfalls continue in the north, and snowmaking conditions are good overnight further south.

Scandinavia Forecast

Cold temperatures with light to moderate snow showers are expected, particularly in the north. In the far north, where natural daylight is scarce until mid-January, slopes will remain floodlit.

Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe Report

The 24-25 ski season in Eastern Europe is expected to begin this weekend, with Slovakia’s Jasna, the largest ski area in the northeast of the continent, set to start operations on Saturday. Jasna has reported natural snowfall and cold conditions conducive to snowmaking. Other areas, such as Czechia’s leading ski destination, Špindlerův Mlýn, have also posted images of fresh snow, although they are not expected to open for another week or two.

Eastern Europe Forecast

Light snow showers are likely, but significant snowfall is not anticipated. Temperatures will range from -5°C to +5°C.

Scotland Report

Scottish ski centers have had a mostly positive week, with low temperatures dropping to -8°C at times, allowing for continued snowmaking and some natural snowfall. Glencoe appears to be the most advanced, with its all-weather snowmaking system helping to build a base alongside the natural snow. Cairngorm, Glenshee, and The Lecht also reported snow accumulation. The Lecht commented, “Looks like winter is on its way. Not quite enough yet for snowsports, but as soon as there is enough, we will let you know. Keep snow dancing.” This was followed by more snow from Storm Bert over the weekend, although subsequent rain and warmer temperatures complicated conditions.

Scotland Forecast

Cool temperatures will persist in the east, with mostly dry conditions. Temperatures will climb in the west but remain below freezing overnight on higher ground.