Europe Weekly Snow Roundup #298

• Scandinavia and Pyrenees dominate Europe’s snowfall
• Alps remain cold, dry and largely sunny
• Terrain openings expand across major Alpine nations
• Eastern Europe benefits from persistent sub-zero temperatures

Alps Snow Report and Ski Conditions

It has been a mostly dry week for much of the Alps, particularly for ski areas on the northern side of the range.

There has been plenty of sunshine, but temperatures have remained below freezing around the clock in the upper half of most ski areas, typically in the -5 to +5 °C range at base levels.

The odd centimetre of snowfall has been reported here and there, most often at more southerly centres. Snowfall worth measuring has largely occurred at the northern and southern extremes of the continent.

A front moving through the Pyrenees and southern Alps towards Eastern Europe brought snowfall from Friday through the weekend, with additional snow reported in northeastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Austria Snow Report and Ski Conditions

A largely dry week in Austria saw only light snow flurries, adding a few centimetres here and there, mostly in Tirol.

Temperatures remained on the cold side, with the freezing level generally between 500 and 1,500 m. Following last week’s snowfall, conditions are excellent on piste, with some powder pockets still available off piste for those who know where to look.

There is currently more terrain open across Austria than at any point this season. SkiWelt (60/90 cm / 24/36") and the Arlberg (45/150 cm / 18/60") both report over 200 km (125 miles) of slopes open.

Austria Snow Forecast
Austrian ski areas look set for more of the same, with cold upper-mountain temperatures and limited new snowfall. Mountain highs hover between -1 and -5 °C, dropping to around -9 °C late in the period at 2,000–2,500 m.

Valleys remain milder, often rising above freezing. Conditions stay largely dry across Tirol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg, with moderate winds and no major storms indicated.

France Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Following huge snowfalls at the start of last week, when some resorts recorded more than a metre in 72 hours, the French Alps experienced a much quieter period. Most areas saw little new snowfall and plenty of sunshine. The exception was the southern Alps, where a passing front delivered fresh snow to resorts that previously missed out, including Serre Chevalier. Further south, Isola 2000 reported 75/100 cm (30/40"), while Pelvoux-Vallouise posted a notable 40 cm fall in 24 hours.

Overall, conditions are described as glorious, with most French resorts now offering their greatest terrain availability of the season.

France Snow Forecast
A cold, settled week is expected, with limited snowfall. Upper-mountain temperatures range from -6 to -12 °C, dipping to -14 °C later. Bases fluctuate between -3 and 7 °C, with dry weather and moderate ridge-top winds prevailing.

Italy Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Italy has experienced the most unsettled weather of the major Alpine nations. Light snowfall and cloud affected many areas, with the Dolomites seeing 5–10 cm (2–4") accumulations through the weekend and early week.

Western resorts also picked up fresh snow. Bardonecchia posted a 20 cm (8") accumulation in 24 hours, while La Thuile continues to report Italy’s deepest snowpack at 11/195 cm (44/76").

Italy Snow Forecast
A cold, mostly dry week lies ahead. Upper slopes sit between -5 and -10 °C, dipping to -14 °C in places. Valley temperatures range from -2 to 6 °C. New snow remains minimal, with light winds and no major storms expected.

Switzerland Snow Report and Ski Conditions

The Swiss Alps saw a mostly dry, sunny week, with light snowfall confined mainly to southern Valais and parts of Graubünden and Ticino. Airolo posted the country’s biggest fall at 15 cm (6") over 48 hours.

Conditions are among the best of the season, although avalanche danger remains considerable. Gstaad’s Glacier 3000 continues to report the world’s deepest base at 170/380 cm (68/152").

Switzerland Snow Forecast
A crisp, wintry week is expected, with upper-mountain temperatures between -6 and -13 °C, dipping to -15 °C in high Valais. Dry conditions persist with light to moderate winds.

Pyrenees Snow Report and Ski Conditions

The Pyrenees were Europe’s snow hotspot again this week, with snowfall recorded on most days.

Panticosa and St Lary both reported 40 cm (16") falls, while Andorra’s Grandvalira added 27 cm (11") and now has 99% of its terrain open.

Pyrenees Snow Forecast
Cold, settled weather dominates, with upper-mountain temperatures between -7 and -13 °C. Little new snowfall is expected, and winds remain light to moderate.

Scandinavia Ski Season Update and Snow Forecast

Scandinavia posted some of Europe’s biggest snowfalls this week. Geilo recorded 53 cm (21") in 72 hours, with Voss Fjellandsby close behind. Powder quality remains excellent due to consistently cold temperatures.

Scandinavia Weather and Snow Forecast
Another bitterly cold week is forecast, with upper slopes between -15 and -30 °C. Snowfall remains light, with mostly manageable winds.

Eastern Europe Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Eastern Europe experienced a cold, sunny week with no significant snowfall. Sub-zero temperatures have supported snowmaking and surface quality across Bulgaria, Czechia, Poland and Slovakia. Jasná now has 91% of its terrain open.

Eastern Europe Snow Forecast
Cold, dry conditions continue, with upper slopes between -8 and -16 °C and no major storms forecast.

Scotland Snow Report and Ski Conditions

Scottish ski centres are enjoying one of their best Januaries in recent years. Cairngorm leads with over 20 runs open, while Glencoe has expanded operations beyond base areas for the first time this season.

Scotland Snow Forecast
Cold, changeable weather continues, with fresh snow expected midweek and colder conditions returning later.