Snow Patrol

By Peter Hardy, Daily Mail

Last updated at 14:20 30 December 2008


Skiers have enjoyed some of the best snow conditions in a generation

Skiers are enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years

This information was published on 27/12/08

Festive skiers across Europe have rejoiced in blue skies for most of the past week to accompany some of the best snow conditions in a generation. New snow has already provided a timely top-up in parts of France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria: we'll see no big dumps, but a further sprinkling in the coming days before the sunshine returns.

In Val d'Isere, I awoke to snow falling on Christmas Day. It was only a 10cm dusting, but it boosted the state of the pistes, and this is the picture across much of the Alps. On the other side of the Atlantic, extremely low temperatures have detracted from the fun in Canada and in the Rockies. If you want big fat dumps of powder, you need to go to Colorado, Utah and California. Vail, Snowbird, and Mammoth have all caught serious snow. But we're very happy in Europe - with the best end-of-year conditions in Espace Killy I can remember since at least 1981.

Switzerland

Zermatt caught new snow on Christmas Day and is enjoying superb conditions. Verbier has great cover - 85cm at 2,200m - but the powder party is over at present.

Austria

A lot of a resorts got fresh snow on Christmas Day. The sun has since come out and skiing conditions are good, but it's a chilly -12C in St Anton. Obergurgl has a healthy 265cm on the upper slopes and 80cm lower down. Further east, low-lying Kitzbuhel (35/112cm) now has nearly all its lifts open and great piste skiing in cold conditions.

 

More...

  • Banff-tastic Canada

  • Downhill with Donovan and Donovan

  • Luxury for less in the French Alps



    • Italy

    The western resorts have caught some more snow this week. In Bardonecchia, close to the French border, they have settled snow depths of 160-200cm and more snow forecast for tomorrow.

    In Cervinia, strong mild temperatures since the weekend have thinned the snow considerably but there's still some 90cm on the lower pistes and 270cm on top.

    Andorra

    The season got off to a respectable start in November but missed out on the big falls that hit the Alps. However, in Grand Valira, there was a 15cm top-up before Christmas. Snow depths are 70/140cm and there could be more snow this weekend.

    Western USA

    Vail has a mid-mountain snowbase of 121cm and all the main Colorado resorts are in good shape. In the Utah resort of Snowbird, it's been snowing for much of the week and the snow depth is now 173cm, with more on the way.

    Jackson Hole has picked up another half metre and conditions are improving after a slow start. Meanwhile in California it just keeps on snowing. Mammoth (147/244cm) is skiing at its best.

    Western Canada

    Whistler now has 85cm at mid-mountain but it's been a tricky start to the season. We may see some much needed new snow in the coming days. Banff/Lake Louise (80/109cm) has had a fresh dusting, but much more snow is needed for Louise and Sunshine to show off their powder possibilities.

    Most watched News videos