Snow report: It keeps on falling ,but the avalanche risk rises

A couple of gloriously sunny days have blessed the Swiss Alps, following several days of heavy snow

Monday 02 March 2015 06:45 EST
Comments
Conditions are good in Swiss resorts
Conditions are good in Swiss resorts (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It has been a season of two halves. First the snow was poor, now conditions are fantastic. More snow arrived last week, and pistes have been refreshed across all of the Alps.

All resorts in Austria are either reporting powdery or fresh conditions. The most recorded snow fell around the Salzburg region, particularly Kaprun (100cm/310cm, lower/upper pistes) and Zell am See (15cm/123cm). More is expected.

The skiing is excellent across the French Alps. Conditions are fantastic in the Portes du Soleil, with Avoriaz (180cm/290cm) and Morzine (70cm/195cm) offering great slopes.

In the Pyrenees, heavy snow has not stopped falling all week, with huge snowfall totals of almost two metres reported. Cauterets (340cm/470cm) boasts a huge base depth, but was shut due to avalanche concerns on Thursday. Bareges/La Mongie (220cm/320cm) was only able to run seven lifts as the avalanche danger hit Level 5 across the mountain range. The treacherous conditions are set to remain over the weekends. In Andorra, several resorts remain closed and the avalanche danger is also up to Level 5.

Snow should resume in the French Alps this weekend. Around 40cm to 100cm is forecast . Pay close attention to the latest avalanche forecasts and stay safe off piste.

A couple of gloriously sunny days have blessed the Swiss Alps this week, following several days of heavy snow. There is still some powder off piste, and more snow is in the forecast. Conditions in the Four Valleys area are fantastic following around 40cm of fresh snow this week. Current forecasts are predicting between 20cm and 60cm in the coming days.

Fresh snow has fallen in Italy, with a little more in the west. In Bulgaria, Bansko is forecast to receive around 40cm of snow this weekend and Borovets 50cm. Some great skiing is likely to be on offer once the storm clears and the sun returns.

It has been a roller coaster in Scotland this week. Very heavy snowfall started the week, before an overnight mild blip on Wednesday brought rain to all five ski centres. The net gains have been big however, so it could be a great time to head to the Highlands.

The Ski Club of Great Britain (020 8410 2015; skiclub.co.uk) is a not-for-profit snowsports club which offers benefits to more than 30,000 members. Members receive discounts on travel, kit and holidays, access to industry-leading snow reports, information, advice; and access to the in-resort Ski Club Leader service. Individual membership costs £63, or £24 for beginners and those aged under 24.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in