More September Snowfall in Europe

High ski slopes in the Alps have seen their second September snowfalls in a fortnight, this time with up to 8” (20cm) of snowfall reported so far and more forecast.

The fresh snow comes as a great relief following a long spring and summer which melted most snow cover from glacial ice forcing almost all summerski areas to cease operating in July.

Hintertux in the Austrian Tirol, the only centre that managed to keep going by using snowmaking to build up some snow on its glacier, was one of the big beneficiaries of the latest snowstorm.

It has now been joined by Solden as a second Austrian option and Zermatt has also re-opened as has Passo Stelvio in  Italy. Bith had temporarily closed their summer ski slopes due to the hot weather. A second Italian area, Val Senales, has started its 22-23 season and three more Austrian glaciers – Pitztal, Stubai and Kaunertal plan to open this coming weekend.

The first World Cup races of the 22-23 season are due to take place in Solden as well as Zermatt-Cervinia and Les 2 Alpes in a month’s time so the snowfall is particularly welcome at these venues. Most Austrian resorts are also unveiling autumn terrain parks so again the fresh snow is a big boost.

Snowfall was also reported in the Pyrenees by Grandvalira in Andorra, the Dolomites and more snowfall was reported in the Tatra mountains in Slovakia.