Variable Snow Conditions Across Europe
Variable Snow Conditions Across Europe
Published : 17-Jan-2011 05:24
Formigal Today
Snow conditions in Europe this winter continue to be something of a roller coaster ride with periods of good snowfall followed by long periods without or, worse still, 'Springlike' temperatures well above zero leading to a thaw of lying snow at lower altitudes.
On the upside there's no sign of the serious snow problems resorts faced three winters ago, but for lower altitude resorts in the Alps, as well as ski areas in Eastern Europe and the Pyrenees the generalisation is "could be better."
Most areas in Western and Northern Europe had a good start to the winter with heavy snowfall in late November and early December, but that has rather petered out over the last month.
In nearly all cases that's not a huge problem as most resorts had built bases of 60 – 180cm (2 – 6 feet) meaning that they've been able to withstand short thaws and generally have hard packed on piste conditions. Ski slopes above 1800m have been 'normal.' What has suffered has been off piste freeriding opportunities – which can be described as 'limited' for winter 2010-11 to date.
Scandinavia
Ironically as Britain and countries like Belgium, The Netherlands and Denmark were locked in an icy embrace through December, Scandinavian ski areas were warmer than usual. That has changed for the better since New Years day with Norwegian and Swedish resorts reporting some of the biggest snowfalls of the first two weeks of 2011 anywhere in Europe. Coastal Voss has done especially well.
Scotland
Another great start to winter for Scotland with Cairngorm, which had been open to June 2010, re-opening in November and reporting generally good snow ever since and top-to-bottom skiing. All but one area, Glencoe, had opened by mid-December and Glencoe too opened by Christmas. All five remain open and while the valleys in the highlands finally came out of a 7 week freeze at the weekend, there was more fresh snow on the hills so it should last a while yet.
Pyrenees
After big falls in late November that had ski areas in Spain opening early there's been little since and some thawing making conditions 'challenging' for ski areas to maintain. However the ski areas have gone on a PR offensive with Formigal, one of the largest resorts in the area sending the picture above.
"Despite current temperatures, Formigal still offers a great range of skiing to its clients by having 83 Km open today." said a spokesman.
Dolomites
Italy seems to have dome about the best in mainland Europe with resorts in the dolomites reporting some of the deepest snow on the continent, up to 4.5m (15 feet) on the glaciers, although there's been little new snow since December.
Eastern Europe
Ski areas in Eastern Europe appear to have had the worst start to the winter. Banskotouristinformaton.com say, "Snow conditions for the early part of this important winter season for Bansko have so far been disappointing with only a limited amount of runs operating and conditions are being reported as sketchy! …Ulen, the mountain operator, seem to be doing all that can be done with the snow cannons to keep open all main runs."
However long term weather reports for more than a fortnight ahead are forecasting snow, so Bulgarian fingers are crossed.
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