Latest snow report

Updated: 2.30pm Friday 31 January 2025

A major storm cycle earlier this week has significantly improved snow conditions across most of the Alps, especially in the west and south. Although the storm delivered less snow to the eastern Alps, particularly in the eastern Austrian Alps, they still had a useful top-up, especially at altitude.

 

While snow depths remain below average across many Alpine regions, especially at lower altitudes, many areas have closer to normal snow depths higher up. Some even have a bit more than usual for the time of year, including north-western ski resorts like Flaine and Avoriaz where the upper snowpack is now deeper than 3m.

 

Broadly speaking, snow conditions in the Alps are pretty good right now. However, we are seeing a repeat of what has become a recurring theme in recent years, in that it never seems to stay cold for long, and very mild spells (sometimes accompanied by rain) are becoming increasingly common at lower altitudes, even in the depths of winter. This is making it difficult for resorts where most of the skiing is below 1600m to establish a deep or secure base, with some exceptions of course.

 

Across the pond, the Pacific northwest is the place to be, with lots of snow in the forecast next week for the likes of Whistler and Mt Baker…

Austria

On the whole, the best snow conditions in Austria are currently in the higher resorts of the western Austrian Alps, including Lech (100/125cm) and Obergurgl (50/120cm), although snow depths remain a bit below where they should be for mid-winter.

 

There is also plenty of good piste-skiing on offer in the classic lower-lying resorts of the Tirol and the Salzburgland, though cover remains on the thin side lower down in Zell am See (20/80cm). This is not a problem for now, but something to watch later in the season.

 

Snow cover in the far south remains thin more generally, with resorts such as Bad Kleinkirchheim (15/55cm) still lacking a proper natural base on their lower slopes. 

Cloudy skies over the centre of Lech, Austria, with chalet-style buildings in the foreground and view to snow-covered ski slopes with skilifts beyond – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 Cloudy with a few light flurries today in Lech – 31 January 2025 – Photo: lech-zuers.at

France

For the most part snow conditions are very good across the French Alps right now, although yo-yoing temperatures have led to wetter snow at times at very low altitudes.

 

Avoriaz currently has an impressive 165/350cm depending on altitude, while Tignes has 170/210cm.

 

After what has been a slow start to the season in the southern French Alps, resorts like Isola 2000 (55/70cm) have also seen new snow this week and are now in good shape. 

Fresh snow over the buildings in the centre of Auron, France – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 Fresh snow in Auron in the southern French Alps – 31 January 2025 – Photo: auron.com

Italy

Most Italian ski resorts saw significant snow earlier this week, with further top-ups in some resorts both yesterday and today.

 

Courmayeur did particularly well and now has around 150cm of settled snow up top. Further east, Madesimo (85/105cm) also saw a significant dump and is in excellent shape.

 

Earlier this week it took a little longer for any lower-altitude rain in the Dolomites to turn to snow, meaning that the region saw more modest overall snowfalls, however good piste-skiing is still available in the Alta Badia (15/55cm).

Mainly blue skies above the snow-covered ski slopes in Cervinia, Italy – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 Great snow conditions in Cervinia right now – 31 January 2025 – Photo: cervinia.it

Switzerland

Most Swiss ski resorts saw significant snow earlier this week, meaning that there is plenty of good skiing on offer across the country.

 

In the far south of the country, St Moritz (25/75cm) did particularly well after a relatively dry start to its season. Further west, Zermatt (50/150cm) is also in great shape right now, as is Wengen (45/115cm) in the north, despite its slightly lower altitude. 

View over the snow-covered buildings in the centre of Zermatt, Switzerland, with view of snow-covered mountains in the distance – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 Excellent snow conditions in Zermatt following heavy snowfalls earlier this week – Photo: zermatt.ch, 31 January 2025

Rest of Europe

Fresh snow this week has improved snow conditions across many parts of the Pyrenees, including in Cauterets where settled depths are now 50/130cm depending on altitude.

 

Snow depths in Scandinavia remain modest in most areas, except from in some western Norwegian resorts like Voss (85/105cm). That’s not to say that other resorts don’t have good piste-skiing on offer though.

 

Over in Scotland, snow conditions have finally allowed a decent amount of terrain to open, with great skiing to end the week in Glencoe, where the mid-mountain base depth is around 40cm. Expect strong winds to hamper uplift here this weekend though.  

View of fences and snow-covered ski slopes and the skilift in Glencoe, Scotland – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 There’s enough snow for skiing in some Scottish resorts. This is Glencoe – 31 January 2025 – Photo: winterhighand.info

USA

In the US, there is lots of enjoyable skiing on offer in Colorado, despite modest snowfalls in recent days. Breckenridge has around 117cm of settled snow mid-mountain, while Vail has 127cm, both roughly what you might expect for the time of year.

 

Further west, Snowbird (145cm mid-mountain) is below par in terms of snow depths but, with fresh snow forecast over the weekend, things will freshen up considerably.

 

For the most impressive snow conditions, you need to head to the Pacific northwest, where Mt Baker (230/290cm) has some of the deepest snow in the country and lots more in the forecast. 

Birds eye view of ski slodge in Breckenridge, USA, surrounded by trees and snow-covered ski slopes with skiers gathered outside – Weather to ski – Snow report, 31 January 2025 Plenty of good skiing available in Breckenridge right now – 31 January 2025 – Photo: instagram.com/BreckenridgeMtn

Canada

In Canada, Whistler (157cm mid-mountain base) hasn’t seen much snow since we last reported but has lots forecast over the next few days which, combined with lowering temperatures, means that snow conditions should be excellent once the weather calms down again.

 

Further inland, Lake Louise (90cm upper base) will also see flurries this weekend, albeit lighter than in Whistler, with some drier but very cold air set to arrive next week. Snow conditions here should be excellent at all levels though.

Our next full snow report will be on
Friday 7 February 2025