Snow report: Festive falls bring better conditions for skiers

Skiing is on offer at four of Scotland’s five resorts

Tuesday 06 January 2015 10:51 GMT
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Motorists were caught out by heavy snowfall last weekend
Motorists were caught out by heavy snowfall last weekend

Europe has received a much-needed Christmas present (unless you were one of the thousands of motorists trying to get to or from French resorts last weekend) with all ski regions receiving lots of fresh snow.

The temperature has plummeted well below freezing. There is still work to be done though - the base depths need strengthening, but there is plenty of good skiing at higher altitudes.

Austria has had a good week, with low temperatures and light snow falling again. The temperature will remain very cold before rising to around the freezing mark when the sun is expected to return this week.

French resorts opened after significant falls last weekend. Up to 80cm has been reported in places, transforming conditions across the country and providing some excellent powder skiing conditions. Cold and calm weather will preserve the new snow both on and off piste.

However, the avalanche danger is high: wind-blown snow and no base means rocks and roots are not yet fully covered.

Huge falls were recorded in Switzerland last weekend, mostly in the west, but all resorts reported good conditions. More lifts are opening daily and the on-piste conditions continue to improve. It will remain cold and sunny. New snow fell across Italy and the new week dawned sunny and cold.

On-piste conditions were very good and the majority of lifts were turning. Loads of new snow has also fallen in the Pyrenees and, under sunny skies, the skiing is excellent. Base depths have improved significantly and most lifts are open.

Excellent skiing was available across Norway and Sweden over Christmas after fresh falls. Most resorts are operating most of their lifts and low temperatures mean conditions are very good.

Some new snow fell in Bulgaria last weekend, improving the piste conditions at Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Good skiing is available, particularly on the upper slopes.

Skiing is on offer at four of Scotland’s five resorts, with good riding to be had, especially on the higher runs.

For daily updates on snow conditions and resort weather visit skiclub.co.uk

The Ski Club of Great Britain (020 8410 2015; skiclub.co.uk) is a not-for-profit snowsports club which offers benefits to more than 30,000 members. They receive discounts on travel, kit and holidays; access to industry-leading snow reports; information and advice; and they can use the in-resort Ski Club Leader service. Individual membership costs £63 or £24 for beginners and those aged under 24.

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