PlanetSKI Snow Report

11th February 2023

Last modified on February 22nd, 2023

There is change in the Alps with some snow forecast. PlanetSKI is in Norway. UPDATED

Wednesday 22nd February

The weather is changing in the Alps with some snow forecast in parts.

Here is the view of Les Arcs in France from across the valley in La Rosiere.

Image © PlanetSKI

This part of the Alps has seen wall-to-wall sunshine in recent weeks.

There is precious little snow coming to this area of the north-west Alps, but by the weekend snow should be falling parts of Switzerland and Austria.

“More significant snowfalls are likely in some northern parts of the Alps on Friday and Saturday, with areas that might see some useful snowfalls including the central northern and north-western Swiss Alps (e.g. Engelberg, Klosters) and the northern Austrian Alps (e.g. Lech, Seefeld, Kaprun, Schladming),” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk

“It remains uncertain how much snow will fall though, with different weather models predicting anything between 10cm and 40cm in these regions between Thursday night and Saturday morning.”

Here at PlanetSKI we’ll keep you posted.

We are pleased to say that we have gone to where the snow is, as it didn’t seem to be coming to us in the Alps.

PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, is currently doing a rail safari round a few resorts in Norway.

He has skied in Voss and Myrkdalen where there was some fresh snow.

Skiing in Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI hits the powder in Norway

He is now in Norefjell.

Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

“It was snowing lightly this morning with around 5cm of fresh snow and then it eased off after lunch,” said James.

“Norway is seeing an above average winter with consistent snow and cold temperatures.

“It is around 1,2000 miles north of the Alps so generally it is much colder in winter,” added James.

Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Here is the scene outside his hotel in the resort at around 1,000m – it illustrates well how much snow has fallen and how it has not melted.

Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

James will be filing a full video snow report on Thursday so look out for that.

Tuesday 21st February

PlanetSKI’s editor, James Cove, arrived in Norway on Sunday, as we reported below.

He’s finally made it onto the slopes.

And here’s what it’s looking like in Voss today.

Voss, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Voss, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Voss, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Voss, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Monday 20th February

PlanetSKI reporter, Tim Clark, is in La Rosiere in France – where it hasn’t snowed for a while.

Neither in La Rosiere nor for that matter many of the surrounding French resorts.

“The temperature is expected to hit a balmy 10C on Tuesday and there has been almost uninterrupted sun across the Haute-Tarentaise,” said Tim on Monday.

“The resort is at 1,850m and the snowpack of around 48-60cm is holding up against the mid-winter sun.

“Overall, the pistes have held their shape until around 2pm when some patches of slush appear.

“The night-time freeze helps give the snowpack a chance to recover, but then there’s a further onslaught of sunshine the following morning on the mainly south-facing slopes.

“At the top of Roc Noir lift, 2,330m, the pack is deeper and has kept its shape through the day, softening as expected by late afternoon.

“All runs are open and in decent condition, with only one minor connecting route from Marmois to Chamois runs appearing to be out of action long-term. Whether this was a decision not to groom that slope is unknown but plenty of other routes are available.

“Of course, the night-time freeze means some tough icy patches which persisted until around 10am despite being south facing.

“I’m heading to Italy over the coming days to check out conditions in La Thuile and will report on conditions across the border,” added Tim.

La Rosiere, France. Adelboden, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

La Rosiere, France. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI’s editor, James Cove, has just arrived in Norway where heavy snow has been falling, but it has also been accompanied by high winds.

PlanetSKI hits the powder of Norway

Skiing in Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday 19th February

The first half of the week looks mostly sunny but quite mild.

The second half of the week is set to turn a little more unsettled with the chance of some showers or flurries in places, but the weather models are volatile so detail remains uncertain.

“One thing that is certain is that there is still no sign of any really widespread heavy snow in the forecast any time soon,” said the alpine weathr expert, Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk.

“Snow conditions remain rather mixed across the Alps,” he added.

“There is still some good piste skiing in most parts of the Alps but snow quality is variable due to a mix of heavy skier traffic (being peak holiday time) and the effect of mild temperatures and a strengthening sun, which has been increasing the freeze-thaw process on south-facing slopes.”

Saturday 18th February

As the main half-term week comes to an end we hear from some resorts around the Alps.

It’s been sunshine all the way.

Obergurgl, Austria:

St Anton, Austria:

Val Thorens, France:

Morzine, France:

Verbier, Switzerland:

Friday 17th February

Right the snow report element won’t take long today.

It’s sunny across the Alps with wall-to-wall sunshine.

There is no snow in the forecast.

That’s about all there is say.

This week, the busy half-term period, we are including a few hints to get the most our of your holiday.

Scroll down for the advice.

The latest tip is simple – do something different.

PlanetSKI has just been in Adelboden and PlanetSKI reporter, Claire McAteer, went for a swing.

“If you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend – but luckily I’m not and it has to be one of the most fun swings I’ve ever been on,” said Claire.

Adelboden, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

“Of course when someone dared me to stand up, I couldn’t resist as my inner child came out.”

Adelboden, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Skiing in Adelboden: An unexpected delight

PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, has been getting up to a few activities in recent weeks.

First tracks in Verbier ahead of the crowds hitting the slopes.

First tracks in Verbier

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Heading up hill with a mountain guide in Chamonix:

A day with a Chamonix mountain guide

A day out with a Chamonix mountain guide. Image © PlanetSKI

We have also posted about a host of non-skiing activities in Morzine in the Portes du Soleil:

What to do in Morzine besides snowsports

PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel has been hanging out with our fearhered friends in the French resort.

With Yule, the snowy owl, Morzine. Image © PlanetSKI

So, what are you waiting for?

Do something different…

Thursday 16th February

The sun continues to shine across the Alps and considering it hasn’t snowed for may weeks the pistes remain generally good in this busy February holiday period.

Some south facing slopes in the direct sun are suffering.

The sunshine is set to continue for the next few days with the temperatures dropping slightly towards the end of the week.

Adelboden, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanerSKI has just returned from Adelboden in Switzerland:

Skiing in Adelboden: An Unexpected Delight

As we left the resort some of the slopes down in the valley are loosing their snow cover.

Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

At the high altitude ski resorts snow cover remains good.

Les3Vallees, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Wednesday 15th February

Here’s a holiday tip that’s not really about skiing, but may be useful if you are driving to/from the Alps on your own.

For some reason most people when driving on their own lean across the passenger seat and stretch helplessly for the peage machine when on the French motorways.

It is much simpler to step out of your car, walk round the back and pay with ease.

A small stretch of the legs after hours of driving is pleasant too.

Driving to the Alps. Image © PlanetSKI

Our editor, James Cove, drove to the Alps at the beginning of January and there are some other handy hints about the experience in this article.

Driving to the Alps for skiing and snowboarding

Driving to the Alps. Image © PlanetSKI

Driving is becoming increasingly popular.

“We have seen a large increase in the number of clients driving or taking the train to The Alps, certainly around the peak weeks, with for example 75% of our February half term clients deciding to take the car,” said Paul Hansgate from the tailor made sport holiday specialists, Hanski+.

“When we talk to our clients about this they mention the high cost of flights but also the need to reduce their carbon footprint, which is a really encouraging sign,” Paul added.

Monday 13th February

The main half-term week is now well under way and we’re updating this article with the latest snow conditions.

Basically, er, it’s sunny.

And it’s going to stay that way

Chamonix, France.

Plus, we have some handy hints about getting the most out of your holiday if you are lucky enough to be out on the slopes.

Sadly PlanetSKI is set to leave the Alps after our extended visit.

But not before a quick weather update from James Cove:

And if you want to look back on some of James’s adventures over the past 5-weeks:

Do carry on reading this article for some of those half-term hints too.

Plus look out for reports from Norway – coming soon…

Saturday 11th February

The wall-to-wall sunshine continues in the Alps as the main half-term week gets underway.

The temperatures are set to rise this week, with no fresh snow forecast.

We are also offering a few tips to avoid the crowds in this, the busiest week of the ski season.

PlanetSKI’s Half Term Hints

We have already mentioned taking a late or early lunch to avoid the crowds in the restaurants and out on the slopes.

But how about heading to the quieter and less crowded slopes in your resort?

This can either be ones tucked away or ones more challenging.

Bump runs will likely have far fewer people on them and it is a good chance to develop your skills.

Here’s PlanetSKI on a black bump run in Brevant in Chamonix with not a soul around.

And an easier black run in a tucked away corner of Argentiere in Chamonix.

If more difficult slopes is not your thing then perhaps head to somewhere less skied.

In Chamonix try Le Tour.

In Verbier there’s the Bruson and Savolyres areas, or head into the 4-Vallees.

In St Anton try Rendl.

Essentially whichever resort you may be in, take your piste map out and see where the obvious place to go is – then head somewhere else.

PlanetSKI is currently in Adelboden in Switzerland.

The Engstligenalp and Tschentenalp areas are far less crowded than the main slopes of the ski area in Adelboden-Lenk.

Engstligenalp, Adelboden. Image © PlanetSKI

Tschentenalp, Adelboden. Image © PlanetSKI

Holiday crowds in Adelboden, Switzerland. NEW

We shot this video earlier as the main holiday period started in Les Arcs, France.

It is a junction with several lifts arriving in the same spot.

Best to avoid is our view at PlanetSKI.

So, what about the half-term weather?

Saturday 11th February

The high pressure system that has been over the Alps in the last weeks is set to continue meaning blue sky and sunshine across most areas.

There is no snow forecast and the temperatures are set to rise as the week progresses.

PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, is in Adelboden in Switzerland.

James joins PlanetSKI’s new reporter, Claire McAteer, who will be reporting shortly on what the resort has to offer.

It is a traditional Swiss ski resort with some modern touches.

Here is a sky-line view from the top of the resort, but notice the snow that remains down on the valley floor at around 1,000m due to the recent cold temperatures.

However, the temperatures are set to rise so much of that snow in the valley may disappear as the week progresses.

The views in this part of the Swiss have been quite stunning, under the blue skies with some snow still remaining on the trees.

And here are those mountain-top views again:

So, what about the forecast for the half-term week?

Once again we turn to the alpine weather expert, Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk.

“The Alps can look forwards to lots of sunshine over the coming days with freezing levels rising to between 2500m and 3000m from Sunday onwards,” said Fraser.

“As for the off-piste, it will mostly be hard-packed, but with good local knowledge or the help of a good guide, there are still some pockets of powder to be found, mostly in Austria, eastern Switzerland and close to the southern French/Italian border.”

Here on PlanetSKI we will be monitoring the situation across the week and what influence the numbers of people and the weather will have on the slopes.

PlanetSKI’s Half-Term Hints

We’ll also be offering a few tips on avoiding the crowds and how to get the most out of your half-term holiday.

From timing where you ski, choosing the right runs, doing a few alternative activities and generally using some common-sense.

Our first tip is to have and early or late lunch.

The slopes over lunch will be less busy for skiing during the main lunchtime period , and then the restaurants will be less crowded if you avoid the popular times.

Empty lunchtime slopes in Chamonix, France. NEW

Try to find a restaurant away from the main slopes.

Also if you read in the British mainstream press about strikes by lift operators in France affecting half-term holidays then don’t concern yourself.

Lets just say it was taken out of context and written by some journalists from news desks in London who simply didn’t understand the situation or couldn’t be bothered to find out.

It was more about click-bait headlines to get readers than providing accurate and useful information.

PlanetSKI’s take was somewhat different: