Rumors of scant snow in Europe have been circulating, and news headlines have only increased the hype. However, recent reports—including updates from our own man on the ground—have verified that skiing conditions in the Alps are good!
“We’re in good shape,” reported John Frasca, VP of international sales at Ski.com, who just returned from the French Alps. Frasca skied Courchevel and said conditions were very nice with excellent grooming. “Even the connection between Courchevel and Meribel was open,” Frasca noted.
Davos Klosters sent us an update on their conditions this morning. “Although there is just a little bit snow in town we have excellent ski conditions at Jakobshorn & Parsenn,” wrote Michele Suter, who manages marketing & sales for Destination Davos Klosters. “For the moment we can offer 40 km of perfect prepared slopes.” Translation: if you were skiing Davos this week, you’d be ripping around on 25 miles of perfectly manicured groomers with some pretty stunning views to boot.
Peter Hardy, a highly respected British ski writer, penned an article for The Telegraph published yesterday in which he further debunked the rumors of “the worst start to ski season in 40 years.” He echos our sentiments that “the facts don’t fully match the doom and gloom.” Hardy assured skiers and snowboarders heading to the mountains over the holidays that they will find “plenty of good skiing this Christmas.”
And here’s the really good news: it’s snowing in France and Switzerland with some resorts expecting accumulations up to 20 cm (8 inches)! More storms are expected next week as well.
If you’re considering a Europe ski trip soon, our Travel Experts recommend aiming high. Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, and Cervinia, which tops out around 12,800 feet elevation, have 100% of their pistes open. Andermatt is open with a reported base of 300 cm (that’s a whopping 118 inches…). And the ever reliable Zermatt and Saas Fee are both open with top-to-bottom skiing. Avoriaz is seeing snowfall today, and Val d’Isere will host World Cup races this weekend as planned.
Recent photos of snow in the Alps
Here’s a little more evidence of snowfall in Avoriaz yesterday.
How magical is this Instagram video from Val Thorens, posted 5 days ago?
If you’re inspired to visit the Alps, browse destinations and speak with one of our Europe Travel Experts at 800-610-8911.
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