Alpine Glaciers Hold the Line as Northern Hemisphere Skiing Winds Down

• Northern Hemisphere Skiing Shrinks to Just Three Alpine Glaciers
• Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and Passo Stelvio Hold Out as Last Open Slopes
• Freezing Level Climbs Above 4,000m, Rain Outpacing Snow in the Alps
• Norway’s Galdhøpiggen Glacier Suspends Operations Until Mid-September
• Light Snowfall Possible in Scandinavia, 5–10cm Forecast for Glaciers

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE INTRO

We’re down to just three centres offering outdoor lift-served skiing in the Northern Hemisphere this week — all in Europe’s Alps, the lowest number of 2025 so far. The last centre in North America ended its season on Sunday, leaving Europe as the only continent where you can still ride a lift and ski a snowy slope outdoors (though you can still ski indoors in New Jersey, USA, and at dozens of locations in Asia). The three European options are in the Italian and Swiss Alps. As expected for mid-August, conditions are more about snowpacks surviving the summer heat than fresh snowfall. Meanwhile, Scandinavia’s only remaining centre, in Norway, has announced it will close for a month until the season begins to turn again in late September.

ALPS REPORT

With Austria’s formerly year-round Hintertux glacier ski area still closed through August, the Alpine choice remains three glacier centres: Switzerland’s Zermatt (0/120cm / 0/48") and Saas-Fee (0/200cm / 0/80"), and Italy’s Passo Stelvio (0/80cm / 0/32"). Snow depths and terrain openings remain unchanged, with around 14km (9 miles) of slopes open at each Swiss area and about 7km (4 miles) in Italy. Temperatures were warmer this past week than the one before, with the freezing level rising to 3,500–4,500m. That meant showers late last week fell as light rain rather than snow at most levels. In recent days, however, conditions have turned a little colder and more unsettled, raising hopes for some fresh glacier snow.

ALPS FORECAST

More sunshine is expected, along with some precipitation. With the freezing point above 4,000m, rain or sleet is more likely than snow at most levels, though glacier areas may still see occasional snowfall, particularly toward the weekend, with 5–10cm (2–4") possible.

SCANDINAVIA REPORT

After light rain showers late last week, Scandinavia’s last open glacier ski area, Galdhøpiggen (0/40cm / 0/16"), enjoyed mostly dry and sunny conditions. Skiing remained possible, though variable, with occasional rain at lower elevations. On Monday, the centre announced it would suspend ski operations until September 19th, by which time more autumnal conditions are expected. Overnight lows on the region’s highest slopes have still been dipping 1–5°C below freezing, but daytime highs have reached +10°C or more. Snow depths, which had held up well with occasional top-ups earlier in summer, have now dropped to their lowest level of 2025 so far.

SCANDINAVIA FORECAST

Cooler temperatures should bring light snowfall midweek at Galdhøpiggen, with up to 7cm (3”) forecast by Friday. Temperatures will range from 0°C to 10°C, with freezing levels around 1,900–2,200m.