Updated: 11am Tuesday 31 October 2023 - Turning very stormy across the Alps…
The weather in the Alps remains very unsettled, with one active weather front having delivered snow to the northern and western Alps overnight and doing the same for the eastern Alps today. With further significant storms also on the way, snow depths will soon be looking quite impressive at altitude across a good part of the Alps.
Snow in Obertauern this morning in the central-eastern Austrian Alps – 31 October 2023 – Photo: foto-webcam.eu
The currently active front reached the northern and western Alps last night, bringing cooler air and snow to 1500m or lower in places overnight. It is now slowly clearing the eastern Alps, though not before also delivering snow to 1500m or lower across parts of Austria and eastern Switzerland.
In the south-east (e.g. Dolomites) the rain/snow limit will remain a bit higher for longer. Further west, a good part of Switzerland is experiencing a drier slot though, as we speak, showers (snow 1600-1800m) are moving back into the north-western Alps (e.g. Portes du Soleil).
After a mostly dry day tomorrow (Wednesday), storm Ciaran will reach the Alps on Thursday, marking the start of a major storm cycle across the Alps that will last through the weekend and maybe beyond.
We therefore expect significant snow to fall at altitude across most of the Alps over the next few days, with a rain/snow limit typically between 1300m and 2000m, perhaps a bit higher at times in the south-eastern Alps, and even a bit lower in the north-western Alps. Stay tuned!
Updated: 11am Sunday 29 October 2023 - Increasingly snowy at high altitude in the Alps…
It has been very unsettled in the Alps for some time now thanks to a series of Atlantic storms arriving from the west, a pattern which will continue this week bringing further snow at altitude. Later in the week there is also the chance of some significant snow to lower altitudes.
Significant snow has fallen at altitude in Tignes (which opens on 25 November). This is the view from the Grande Motte glacier looking back towards the resort – Photo: tignes.net, 29 October 2023
The rain/snow limit has been yo-yoing over recent days, generally between 2000m and 3000m, with the heaviest precipitation falling in the western Alps. Glaciers in resorts like Tignes and Les 2 Alpes (neither of which are open yet) have therefore benefited most from these storms, and now have significant snow cover above 3000m. However, as all Alpine glaciers have seen at least some new snow, conditions should be good in any areas already open, weather-permitting.
Over the next couple of days, much of any lower-lying snow will melt again as a mild Foehn wind sets in. This warmer interlude won’t last too long though, with cooler air set to return to the Alps on Tuesday, and the prospect of some significant snow across some of the Alps from mid-week onwards.
Indeed, current models suggest that there may be heavy snow to 1500m or lower in places later in the week and next weekend. Watch this space…
Possible skiing options in the Alps right now (weather-permitting) are:
- Austria: Hintertux, Stubai, Sölden, Pitztal, Kaunertal
- Italy: Passo Stelvio, Cervinia (public access currently limited due to World Cup)
- Switzerland: Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Diavolezza (open to public on Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday only)
Updated: Saturday 21 October 2023 - Fresh snow at altitude in the western Alps…
After an exceptionally warm start to autumn, the first significant snow of the season has now fallen in higher parts of the western Alps, where it will greatly improve skiing conditions on the glaciers of Zermatt and Saas-Fee - the only two western Alpine glaciers open (weather-permitting).
Significant fresh snow has fallen higher up in Tignes, though there won’t be any skiing here until 25 November – Photo: tignes.net, 21 October 2023
As always, this snowfall will have no significant bearing on what might happen more generally this winter, but it’s always nice to see snow on the mountains, however temporary!
The eastern Alps have seen little if any snow from the latest storm, although this region is actually offering the greatest number of skiing options right now, with up to five glaciers open for business in Austria alone, albeit on a very limited basis.
Possible skiing options in the Alps right now (weather-permitting) are:
- Austria: Hintertux, Stubai, Sölden, Pitztal, Kaunertal
- Italy: Passo Stelvio, Cervinia (Zermatt)
- Switzerland: Zermatt, Saas-Fee
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