by Ski resorts around the world are celebrating a strong start to the season as the first winter tourists prepare to spend the Christmas period in the mountains.
In stark contrast to December 2022 – when experts were alarmed by the lack of snow on slopes in the Alps – snow depths are already more than 3 meters in the Chamonix Valley and are expected to be just as promising across key areas European skiing.
A year ago, across the Atlantic, resorts were scrambling to open after repeated bouts of massive blizzards. This year, hot weather means California resorts are struggling to open. In contrast, conditions in the Rockies are starting to improve, after several feet of snow this month.
It’s a mixed bag for other European ski regions. Very cold temperatures are seen in Scandinavia and the daylight hours are rapidly diminishing. The Pyrenees struggled with record high December temperatures, but Spain’s Baqueira Beret managed to open 60km of running and Andorra’s Pas de la Casa has more than 40km in place. In Eastern Europe, Slovakia’s Jasna has opened more than half of its runs and Bulgaria’s season kicks off at Bansko and Borovets this weekend. It also looks promising in Scotland, with venues hoping to open for Christmas week.
Looking East, Japan is off to a similar start to North America – it could also be a victim of the El Niño weather pattern. Niseko has snow piled several feet deep and about a quarter of the terrain is open so far.
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France
“It’s like the good old days,” enthuses Nick Morgan, who has been a Le Ski tour operator in the French Alps for over 40 years. He is referring to the fact that over 1,800m the snow is already over 2 meters deep at many of France’s top resorts – statistics rarely seen until mid-winter at least. The snowfall continued down to the valley floors as well. Many French resorts started their seasons early including Avoriaz, La Plagne, Tignes and Val Thorens. There were warmer temperatures and heavy rain this week – forcing the risk of exchange to increase in places – but snowfall returned by Wednesday.
The forecast
Temperatures continue to drop and widespread sunshine is forecast for the weekend. It will feel warmer, but stay dry to start the new week before the temperature drops again and the snow returns.
Discover the best ski resorts in France with our guide
Austria
It was a great start to the season in Austria with consistently low temperatures and regular snowfall at low altitudes. The European nation led the world in opening ski areas early during the autumn and is currently the most open country anywhere. It is the only major skiing nation where, on average, more than half of its slopes are already open at each area. It is Ischgl, with its cross-border area that is linked to Samnaun of Switzerland, which was the largest terrain to open this month, with 200km skiable. The large Arlberg region, where Lech and St. Anton are, is soon to be overtaken.
The forecast
It will be cold but sunny through the weekend, before turning springy but staying dry early next week before temperatures turn colder and the snow returns midweek.
Discover the best ski resorts in Austria with our guide
Italy
Italy shared in the bounty of early season snow with Livigno and Madonna di Campiglio opening early last month. The huge Dolomiti Superski region opened a week ago with 800km of its 1,200km of slopes open from day one. The depth of the tire is not so great in the east of the country as in the west, but good enough.
The forecast
It will be sunny and dry through the weekend and into next week. Worrying double digit temperatures are likely to be reached in the afternoon below 1,500m altitude.
Discover the best ski resorts in Italy with our guide
Switzerland
Switzerland’s ski resorts have posted heavy snowfalls to start the season, especially in the west of the country. The 3000 Gstaad Glacier is already at a base depth of 2.2 meters. Crans-Montana put up 1 meter in the resort and doubled that last weekend, however, the resort has seen its biggest drop in snow depth since then – reflecting the warm weather, wet lately. The temperature has now dropped and snow has returned.
The forecast
Snowfall is shaping up to lead to a sunny week ahead. Relatively warm temperatures early next week, but cooling as the week progresses.
Discover the best ski resorts in Switzerland with our guide
Canada
The Canadian ski season started in Banff over a month ago and has been slowly progressing ever since. Last week has brought powder to the Rockies, allowing for waist deep freeriding at Lake Louise, Fernie and others. Whistler Blackcomb is about 20 percent open and needs more snow. Tremblant has the deepest coverage in the East – but it also needs much more.
The forecast
The forecast is for cloudy skies and chilly temperatures across Canada’s ski slopes, rarely above freezing. Limited snow is forecast until later in the week.
Discover the best ski resorts in Canada with our guide
United States of America
The Rockies currently have the best snow in the United States. Aspen, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park have all reported a few feet of snow this month so far. Jackson Hole has already passed the 100-inch (2.5 meter) seasonal mark so far. Things are looking up on the East Coast as well with snow in Maine and Vermont, but unfortunately, California and the West continue to struggle. Heavenly has less than 10 percent of its slopes open.
The forecast
It will be a sunny weekend across many ski areas in the United States, with little snow forecast next week in the West. Spring should see snowfall return early in the week, but warmer temperatures could lead to rain.
Discover the best ski resorts in the USA with our guide
