Significant Snowfall in Europe & North America as More Resorts Open
31st October 2023
Last modified on November 2nd, 2023
As October turns into November the ski season is getting ever closer with resorts opening and snow falling.
A major storm is set to hit the Alps on Thursday.
“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,” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk on Tuesday 31st October.
The temperatures have dropped, so snow is falling down to 1,500m in places.
“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,” added Fraser.
50cm could fall in some places.
Up to 30cm has fallen at altitude in Austria with the open glacier resorts benefiting.
Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun is planning to open on Friday 3rd.
We list all the resorts currently open towards the end of this article.
In France it has been falling at altitude:
And lower down:
Things are looking good in Verbier in Switzerland that is set to open this month.
According to our friends in Verbier the Lac des Vaux area may open sooner rather than later.
There were rumours of this weekend, but they have been quashed by the resort.
We’ll let you know, but the smart money is on next weekend if the storm delivers.
In Switzerland Glacier 300o is set to open on Saturday 4th November.
Another storm is set to arrive in the Alps on Thursday.
It is being described as ‘the start of a major storm cycle across the Alps that will last through the weekend and maybe beyond’.
We have been following the autumn snowfalls here on PlanetSKI:
Verbier. Image c/o Steve Sparks.
Lets not forget the snow elsewhere in Europe.
Skiing is set to get underway in Norway this weekend:
Here are the resorts offering skiing at the moment (weather permitting):
Austria:
Kaunertal, Soelden, Hintertux, Pitztal & Stubai.
Finland:
Levi and Ruka.
Italy:
Passo Stelvio & Cervinia.
Switzerland:
Saas-Fee & Zermatt.
There has been some good early season snowfall in North America.
Arapahoe Basin in Colorado was the first main resort to open with more set to follow suit.
Keystone in Colorado opened on Wednesday 1st November.
Winter Park and Eldora Mountain ski resorts in Colorado are set to open some slopes on Friday 3rd November.
Projected opening dates for a few other main US resorts:
Mammoth – November 10th
Breckenridge – November 10th
Vail – November 10th
Copper – November 13th
Park City – November 17th
Heavenly – November 17th
Jackson Hole – November 24th
Things are about to get going in Canada too.
“Winter is here! Snow has fallen here in Banff and Lake Louise and we are all counting down the days until the lifts open,” said Steve Pampel from Ski Big 3 to PlanetSKI.
Sunshine Village, Alberta, Canada.
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
Mt Norquay, Alberta, Canada.
Here are the current opening dates, but they may open earlier if conditions allow:
- Mt Norquay – 3rd November
- Banff Sunshine – 9th November
- Lake Louise Ski Resort – 10th November
UPDATE, Thursday 2nd November:
🚨NEW OPENING DAY🚨 We’re opening for the season on November 3. Thanks to our hard working staff who have been able to make this happen. Stay tuned for what to expect THIS Friday!
📅 Nov 1#skilouise #juatlakeit #lakelouise pic.twitter.com/KftJQKQCkg
— Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola (@SkiLouise) November 1, 2023
Nakiska in Alberta is about to open for a ‘preview weekend.
Here at PlanetSKI we will be updating this report as the snow falls across the mountains in Europe and North America.
Do check back.
Winter is coming folks!
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
