Europe has not had the same stellar start to winter that the Western U.S. and British Columbia have enjoyed, but there are still plenty of winter days ahead. Accuweather’s long-range forecast for winter 2015-16 in the Alps noted that milder temperatures will prevail earlier in the season, but the second half of winter will be marked by a “high frequency of storms moving through the heart of Europe,” according to Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls.
That forecast looks to be playing out quite accurately, and it seems that the Alps may have just entered the snowier portion of the season. Last week, several Alpine ski resorts saw up to 1.5 feet of new snow. Over the weekend, a storm moved across much of the Alps and dropped even more snow. According to snow-forecast.com, up to two feet of snow is expected to fall through Wednesday, followed by a brief lull and then another snowstorm should hit on Thursday. Additionally, colder temperatures are forecasted throughout the week, which means lower snow levels.
Note: Warm temperatures preceded the snow storms, making for unstable off-piste conditions. Avalanche danger is currently high. Skiers or snowboarders visiting the Alps in the next week or two are strongly advised to stay on-piste.
Is it now a good time to book a Europe ski trip?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether all the new snow will improve conditions enough to make for a good ski vacation.
“Those resorts above 1600m (5,250 feet) or 1800m (5,900 feet) will be confident their season is safe…” said Fraser Wilkin, of snow forecasting site weathertoski.co.uk, in a Telegraph article. “Lower down it’s still far from safe.”
We echo that recommendation and suggest booking a Europe ski trip to resorts situated at higher elevations.
According to snow-forecast.com, here are the resorts that currently have the best snow coverage:
Austria
Lech – Zuers | 21” – 23” (55-60cm)
Elevation: 4,757’ – 8,038’
Photo: Lech Zürs am Arlberg
St. Anton | 18” – 40” (45-100cm)
Elevation: 4,278’ – 9,222’
France
Chamonix | 5” – 118” (14-300cm)
Elevation: 3,418’ – 10,744’
Photo: Chamonix
Tignes | 33” – 61” (85-155cm)
Elevation: 5,085’ – 11,318’
Val d’Isere | 33” – 61” (85-155cm) Elevation: 6,069’ – 11,338’
Switzerland
Zermatt | 5” – 67” (15-170cm) Elevation: 5,314’ – 12,791’ 
Photo: Zermatt Matterhorn Saas Fee | 21” – 78” (55-198cm) Elevation: 5,905’ – 11,811’ Gstaad | 4.7” – 53” (12-135cm) Elevation: 3,444’ – 9,842’
Italy
Breuil-Cervinia | 27” – 90” (70-230cm) Elevation: 6,725’ – 11,417’ 
Photo: Scuola Di Sci Di Valtournenche Courmayeur | 13” – 47” (35-120cm) Elevation: 5,590’ – 9,038’
La Thuile | 17” – 40” (45-100cm)
Elevation: 4,757’ – 8,694’
Andorra
Vallnord – Arcarlis | 11” – 31” (30-80cm)
Elevation: 6,364’ – 8,612’
Germany
Garmisch – Zugspitze | 11” – 55” (30-140cm)
Elevation: 4,019’ – 9,717’
Photo: Zugspitze
Call one of our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts to book your ski trip at one of these high-elevation Alpine resorts. They’re standing by at 800-610-8911. You can also get started by filling out a form for a free custom quote.
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