Big Pre-Season Snowfall In The Alps

The Alps are in the midst of a multi-day snowstorm which has so far deposited up to 25cm (10”) of snow on higher slopes, and forecast models suggest some high slopes may see more than double that by Monday.

“The first snowfalls appeared in Les Arcs today (October 24) with around 15 cm in Arc 2000 and we're not going to lie, it's pure bliss!” commented Mégane Allemoz, Attachée de Presse at Les Arcs Bourg Saint Maurice Tourisme.

It’s great news for the dozen or so glacier ski areas already open, mostly in Austria and Switzerland plus a few in Italy. Austria’s Kaunertal (pictured below today) as well as the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun were amongst those reporting fresh powder so skiers this weekend whilst the Stubai reports its opening additional terrain with 20cm (8”) of snowfall so far there.

Snowfall has been reported down to as low as 1200m altitudes and temperatures down to -14C have been recorded overnight at altitude. That’s led to good snowmaking conditions with many resorts reporting their systems are currently running at maximum to help build pre-season bases.

There had been some light snowfalls earlier in the autumn, but this one appears to be the most significant pre-season base builder so far by some way. It’s added to excitement and anticipation levels rising, which is good news for those in the snow business.

“Excitement is building as fast as the snowpack, and the early snow is definitely noticed by our keenest skiers. This week we’ve seen a doubling of enquiries for the first month of the season, with bookings of December departures now 30% up year on year,” said Richard Sinclair, boss of ski holiday company SNO.co.uk