After weeks of warmer than average weather, temperatures have begun dropping and snow falling in the Alps. Obertauern in Austria is pictured above on Sunday 15th October, Schladming below.
Temperatures are expected to stay around freezing or below day and night above about 2,000m, with valley temperatures expected to be down to single figures. Currently forecasters expect more light snowfall up high, but the (less certain) forecast is for heavier snowfall later this week.
Elsewhere in Europe, there’s been heavier snow down to low levels in Scandinavia and the first snowfalls in Scotland. Two resorts in Finland – Levi (below, last Thursday) and Ruka – have already opened, using snow saved through summer from last winter and recycled back onto the slopes. They’ve since had fresh natural snowfall on top though.
There’s also been snow on high slopes at Europe’s most southerly major resort, Sierra Nevada in Spain (below).
Six glacier ski areas, including three in Austria’s Tirol, are already open for the 23-24 season, but about as many again have postponed opening planned earlier this month or in September, due to the previous warm and dry conditions. Some of these should be able to open soon if conditions now continue as at present.
For the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well as ski news, gear reviews and resort spotlights, you can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
