Europe Weekly Snow Roundup #297

• Major Alpine snowfall finally ends dry spell
• Avalanche danger spikes after storm cycle
• Scotland posts best conditions in years
• Pyrenees enjoy perfectly timed powder

Alps Snow Report and Ski Conditions

It has been the week skiers have been waiting for in the Alps, with big snowfalls finally arriving. However, warm spells between cold periods brought rain and sleet to high elevations at times, alongside powerful winds that destabilised the snowpack.

Avalanche danger levels climbed to 4, with six fatalities reported across the Alps over the weekend. Conditions have stabilised since the start of the week, with danger levels easing back to 3, though remaining considerable.

The Western and Northern Alps saw the heaviest snowfall, but resorts across Europe reported meaningful accumulations.

Alps Snow Forecast

Calmer, cooler conditions dominate with light snowfall at times, good visibility at altitude and temperatures hovering around freezing or slightly below.

Austria Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Austria saw fresh snowfall from the end of last week, with 10–20cm refreshing slopes across much of the country. Strong winds and unsettled weather caused some disruption, including the cancellation of the Women’s Super-G at Zauchensee. 

Kitzbühel (60/80cm / 24/32") is now 96% open ahead of the Hahnenkamm, while SkiWelt (60/90cm / 24/36") leads the country with 220km (138 miles) of pistes open.

Austria Snow Forecast

Mostly dry and settled with limited snowfall, light winds and good visibility on upper slopes.

France Snow Report and Ski Conditions

A dramatic shift arrived late last week as heavy snowfall hit the French Alps. Resorts reported 40–80cm (16–32") in 24 hours, with Chamonix receiving a metre (40") on higher slopes.

The sudden snowfall after weeks of dryness caused logistical challenges and a sharp rise in avalanche danger, with a fatal incident reported at La Plagne. Conditions have since improved significantly.

France Snow Forecast

Light snowfall continues in places with brighter spells higher up and seasonably cold mid-January temperatures.

Italy Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Italy saw improving conditions, especially in the Aosta Valley, where 40–60cm (16–24") accumulated by Saturday. Avalanche danger increased rapidly, with a fatal incident near Pila. It has since turned drier, with temperatures ranging between -5 and +5°C.

Italy Snow Forecast

Colder, changeable conditions ahead with light to moderate snowfall, especially in the northwest.

Switzerland Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Saas Fee passed the 2m base depth mark after reporting 1.4m (56") of snowfall by Sunday, the biggest total in the country. Andermatt also reported a metre (40"). Avalanche danger rose to level 4 in Valais before calmer, sunnier conditions returned.

Switzerland Snow Forecast

Mostly settled with only very light snowfall and frequent clear spells.

Pyrenees Snow Report and Ski Conditions

The Pyrenees reported 50–80cm (20–32") of fresh snowfall, with Formiguères leading totals. Baqueira Beret enjoyed perfectly timed powder ahead of the Freeride World Tour opener. Conditions have been mostly dry and sunny since Sunday.

Pyrenees Snow Forecast

Light to moderate snowfall returns midweek, particularly on the French side.

Scotland Ski Conditions and Snow Report

Scottish ski areas are enjoying their best conditions for several years, with Cairngorm, The Lecht and Glenshee all offering top-to-bottom runs. Cold temperatures and frequent snow showers continue to build bases, though strong winds have disrupted operations at times.

Scotland Snow Forecast

Cold, wintry conditions persist with frequent snow showers and brisk winds.