More Snow Falls with More Resorts Opening
22nd November 2023
Last modified on November 27th, 2023
Monday 27th November
The weekend weather delivered the snow that was forecast, and then some more.
We have reported on it all over the past few days, lower down this report.
PlanetSKI as just arrived in Pitztal in the Tirol in Austria that saw some of the best of the action.
Here is the scene first thing this morning in the valley with the ski area in the distance.
Pitztal, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Pitztal, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Pitztal, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
And up top after a few turns?
PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, seems to have had a rather good Monday morning.
We’re in the area all week.
Some resorts have seen 1m of snow in the latest storm and another one is heading our way shortly.
The next storm will be strongest further west in France and Switzerland, and also in the Arlberg region next to the Tirol.
In France Avoriaz, Flaine, Val Thorens and Tignes could see another 30-40cm of snow.
PlanetSKI reporter Simon Wilson has been in Val Thorens in France for its opening weekend.
“Very quiet here this morning and seems like many of the weekend visitors have left,” said Simon.
” Weather is bright with a thin veil of cloud which is meant thicken later and bring another moderate fall of snow overnight.
“Much less cold today -3 in resort going up to -1.
“Great base for the season here now 50cm in the village and 110cm on the highest pistes.”
Val Thorens, France. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Val Thorens, France. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Over the weekend in France snow was falling down to 500m in the Vosges, Jura, Alps, Massif Central, and Morvan areas.
The southern Alps and the Dolomites have largely missed out on the snow, but cold temperatures have helped the snowmaking as the main season is set to start in a few weeks.
All in all it is looking very good with most resorts opening in the next few weeks.
More to follow…
Sunday 26th November
PlanetSKI editor James Cove headed to the Tirol today, flying from Gatwick to Innsbruck.
We have seen plenty of pictures of all the snow at altitude, but what about lower down?
The freezing level has been around 500m in places and that means there is snow all the way down to the valley floor.
The first glimpse came from altitude, through a gap in the clouds.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
As we we flew closer to Innsbruck things became clearer.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Landing at Innsbruck with snow on the ground is a great sign of things to come.
It is the first snowfall in Innsbruck itself this winter.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
James is heading to the area in the Alps that has seen some of the best snow in the past few days, north-western Austria.
He has chosen to ski in Pitztal, Kaunertaler and Kuhtai over the next week as that seems to be where some of the best snow has been falling and this week should be a cracker with more snow in the forecast.
There were some stunning views of the mountains draped in snow at motorway level.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
And then higher up on the mountain road heading to Pitztal it was dripping off the trees.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
It was dusk as we arrived at our hotel and the view of the snow at valley level could hardly be better for late November.
Snow in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Today’s PlanetSKI snow report started in Ischgl.
At the the Demi Lovato concert to be precise – where it was snowing.
The US singer was performing at the concert for the official opening of the Austrian resort’s ski season on Saturday night.
Demi Lovato. Image © Lynsey Devon
Over in Val Thorens in France the weather has cleared after the storms of yesterday.
“Blue skies today after 10cm of fresh snow yesterday,” said PlanetSKI reporter, Simon Wilson, from the resort.
“The wind dropped has dropped but it’s still cold, -8 in resort and -12 at the top.
“The resort is hoping to open all the main lifts today, including Cime Caron.”
And here is the view from the top of the Cime Caron as it opened:
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
It was very windy at the top, with the windchill making things bitterly cold:
See here for Simon’s first reports as he arrived in the resort and hit the slopes.
It is now the last week in November so we are entering the territory where some accurate predictions & assessments can be made on what the early season may look like.
Plus, where are the best resorts for skiing in December and into New Year.
All in all, it is looking pretty darn good.
One of the best starts to a winter season that we can remember.
Look out for that report later in the week,
As we reported earlier James landed in Innsbruck but didn’t pop into the city to see the first snow of the season on its streets.
No matter.
One of our regular readers and great friend of PlanetSKI, Holger Gasler, has posted pictures of his home city:
Innsbruck. Image c/o Holger Gasler.
Innsbruck. Image c/o Holger Gasler.
James will be in Innsbruck later in the week using it as a base to ski in Kuhtai that opens on Friday.
And of course going to the Christmas Markets.
Do check back…
Resorts in Europe Currently Offering Skiing:
Austria: Kaunertal, Soelden, Hintertux, Pitztal, Stubai, Moltaller, Schladming, Obertauern, Montafon, Obergurgl, Ischgl, Kitzbuhel & Kitzsteinhorn.
Finland: Levi & Ruka.
France: Val Thorens & Tignes.
Italy: Passo Stelvio, Livingno, Kronplatz, Madonna, Solda & Cervinia.
Norway: Norefjell, Trysil, Hafjell, Hemsedal, Gausta & Myrkdalen.
Spain: Baqueira Beret.
Sweden: Idre Fjall & Are.
Switzerland: Saas-Fee, Diavloezza, Engadine, Davos/Kolsters, Arosa/Lenzerheide, Crans-Montana, Laaz, Andermatt, Samnaun, Grimentz, & Zermatt.
Resort openings are weather dependent, so do check with the resort for the latest information.
Saturday 25th November
We start today’s update from Val Thorens in France as it opens for the season.
PlanetSKI’s reporter Simon Wilson is in resort for its official opening.
Simon is in the ski test area.
Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe at 2,300m.
See here for Simon’s first reports as he arrived in the resort and hit the slopes.
Suffice to say it was a tad chilly.
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
“It’s a cold and snowy morning in Val Thorens,” said Simon as he flung open the curtains first thing.
“An early ‘balcony snow check’ suggests a bit more than the forecast 5-10cm of snow may have fallen overnight.”
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
“All blown along by a strong and gusty northerly wind.
“Looks like a bit of a whiteout day on the mountain – obviously very few trees this high.
“The cold temperatures have arrived as forecast and it’s down to minus 11 here this morning and forecast to stay around that all day.”
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
The heavier snowfalls in the Alps were further east into Switzerland and Austria.
Here’s the Zillertal Valley in the Tirol in Austria:
The snow levels were down to under 1,000m in the Tirol.
These images come from one of our regular readers, Lindsey Cairns, who lives in the Pillersee Valley in the Tirol at an altitude of 835m.
Image c/o Lindsey Cairns
Image c/o Lindsey Cairns
Some flights into Innsbruck were unable to land on Friday evening due to the weather and were diverted to Munich in Germany.
Another one of our regular readers, Lynsey Devon, was on one of the diverted flights.
“The captain made two attempts to land the plane at Innsbruck airport, one from either direction, but had to abort and head to Munich airport,” said Lynsey.
“He told us over the intercom when he approached Munich that he had never actually landed at Innsbruck before and had only done it in training on a flight simulator, so we were all rather pleased he decided to land elsewhere given the stormy weather.”
When Lynsey arrived in Ischgl, after a difficult road journey, the town had a fresh coating of snow and all the traumas of the journey were forgotten.
Ischgl, Austria. Image © Lynsey Devon
And on Saturday Demi Lovato performed at the traditional opening concert.
The snow had stopped, but overcast conditions remained with snow down to resort level in Ischgl.
Demi Lovato. Image © Lynsey Devon
Friday 24th November
The forecast storm is starting in parts of the northern Alps.
The heaviest snow will likely be in the eastern Swiss and Austrian Alps with the freezing level plunging later today.
“The snow is expected to continue into Saturday, always heaviest in the central-northern and north-eastern Alps where as much as 50-70cm of new snow is possible by Sunday morning in the Austrian Arlberg/Vorarlberg (e.g. Warth-Schröcken, Lech),” said Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk.
“More generally, the central-eastern side of the northern Swiss Alps (e.g. Engelberg, Laax) and the northern Austrian Alps (e.g. Saalbach, Kapurn) will see 30-50cm by the early hours of Sunday.”
Sporting events have already been affected by the high winds and snow.
A FIS Freeski Event in Stubai has been cancelled, though qualifying runs were able to take place on Thursday, with results standing.
“Due to current extreme winds, and the forecast for heavy snowfalls over the next 48 hours, in the interest of athlete safety the Stubai World Cup Organizing Committee and the Jury have made the unfortunate decision to cancel the competition finals,” said the FIS contest director, Ritchie Date.
Unpredictable weather forces cancellation of freeski slopestyle finals, making qualification results official 🙏
Huge congrats to Kirsty Muir for securing 4th place in the season’s first World Cup! ❄️
Final results:
Kirsty Muir 4th place
Tyler Harding 22nd
Chris McCormick25th pic.twitter.com/rkc3FTX9gF— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 24, 2023
It should have been four days of freeskiing in a snowpark at 3,000m.
Challenging weather conditions were already on the horizon at the beginning of the week, so the good weather window on Thursday was used to bring forward the qualification.
The organisers were confident that the final would take place early on Friday morning.
However, storms on Friday morning quickly made it clear that there was no chance of getting up the mountain, let alone holding a safe competition.
The snow at the moment is isloated and parts of the Alps have blue sky.
PlanetSKI reporter Simon Wilson arrived in Val Thorens in France this afternoon.
The resort is closed to the general public, but a few select people have been invited on to the slopes a day ahead of its official opening – including PlanetSKI.
“It is sunny and warm here in the highest resort in the Alps, but cold temperatures are expected tonight with a little snow,” said Simon.
“There looks like good cover on the slopes and I’m heading out shortly for my first turns of the season.”
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
And up on the slopes as Simon reached them:
See here for the first part of Simin’s report on PlanetSKI that he will be updating across the weekend:
We will also be updating this main snow report as we hear about the latest storm and where the snow is falling.
Do check back for videos, images and updates from our reporters & readers out in the Alps.
Thursday 23rd November
It some places it’s the calm before the storm.
Here’s St Anton in the Tirol that is expected to see some of the best of the approaching snow:
Get ready to glide into a winter wonderland! 🏔️❄️ Our mountains are draped in a stunning blanket of snow, creating the perfect canvas for your skiing adventures. Are you prepared for this year’s STANTON SKI OPEN? #stantonamarlberghttps://t.co/tnzaRBWiqr pic.twitter.com/68a85LFFta
— St. Anton am Arlberg (@StantonReview) November 23, 2023
And here’s nearby Stubai, also in the Tirol:
The timetable for the FIS Freeski event in Stubai that is due to take place over the weekend has been altered.
“Due to current weather forecasts, and in order to maximize our chances at a safe, fair and successful competition, a jury decision was made to advance qualifications at the FIS Freeski slopestyle World Cup Stubai to Thursday in order to take advantage of a more ideal weather window,” said the contest director FIS, Ritchi Date.
In the women’s event Kirsty Muir and Caolmhe Heavey are representing Great Britain.
For the men it’s Tyler Harding and Chris McCormick.
Training has been taking place this week.
FIS Freeski. Image © Tom Bause
FIS Freeski. Image © Tom Bause
Wednesday 22nd November:
It’s been relatively stable for the last few days with just the odd snow flurry here and there.
We have been following the early snowfall on PlanetSKI, in what has generally been a pretty decent start to winter with resorts opening early:
Verbier, Switzerland. Image c/o Steve Sparks.
The stormy weather is set to roll into parts of the Alps on Friday.
It comes as another swathe of resorts are opening including Cortina and Courmayeur in Italy, Ischgl in Austria, St Moritz in Switzerland and the full opening of Val Thorens in France.
PlanetSKI’s Simon Wilson is in Val Thorens for its official opening and will be reporting back across the weekend.
Another reporter, Luke Frewer will be in Ischgl.
Meanhile PlanetSKI editor James Cove is heading to the Tirol in Austria on Sunday, and will be reporting on conditions there early next week.
It seems once again that James is going to be in the right place, at the right time.
The area he is heading to is set to have the best of the approaching snow with up to 70cm forecast.
The conditions in the resorts in the Tirol he is visiting – Pitztal, Kaunertaler and Kuhtai – should be epic.
For the latest here’s Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk:
“We are expecting 5-10cm across the northern French and far western Swiss Alps (e.g. Avoriaz, Verbier), 25-50cm across the central northern and north-east Swiss Alps (e.g Engelberg, Klosters), 30-70cm across the northern and western Austrian Alps (e.g. Kaprun, Saalbach, Ischgl, Lech, St Anton), with the deepest falls most likely (again) in the Austrian Arlberg/Vorarlberg region (St Anton, Lech, Warth-Schröcken).
“The further south and west you are in the Alps, the less snow you will see from this storm, with resorts such as Isola 2000 and Sestriere in the far south-west missing out completely, at least up to and including this weekend.
“The far south-east (Dolomites) will also stay largely dry, though a centimetre or two is possible here on Saturday.”
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll be following things closely so do check back.
The predicted weather is already affecting the sporting programme this weekend.
Resorts Currently Offering Skiing:
Austria: Kaunertal, Soelden, Hintertux, Pitztal, Stubai, Moltaller, Schladming, Obertauern, Montafon, Obergurgl, Ischgl, Kitzbuhel & Kitzsteinhorn.
Finland: Levi & Ruka.
France: Val Thorens & Tignes.
Italy: Passo Stelvio, Livingno, Kronplatz, Madonna, Solda & Cervinia.
Norway: Norefjell, Trysil, Hafjell, Hemsedal, Gausta & Myrkdalen.
Spain: Baqueira Beret.
Sweden: Idre Fjall & Are.
Switzerland: Saas-Fee, Diavloezza, Engadine, Davos/Kolsters, Arosa/Lenzerheide, Crans-Montana, Laaz, Andermatt, Samnaun, Grimentz, & Zermatt.
Resort openings are weather dependent so doc check with the resort for the latest information.
