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Twice weekly reports from SCGB. (Thread Locked) |
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 #16 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 09/02/2006 @ 19:15 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 09/02/2006 @ 19:17) |
| In reply to post #15
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Thursday 9 February 2006
Introduction
Many areas of Europe have benefited from fresh snow this week. There has been great news for the Davos region of Switzerland with 20-30cm of fresh powder. It has continued to snow in Austria this week and more is forecast for tomorrow. There has been a fresh dusting of snow in France but unfortunately the sun has now returned. There is a chance of snow in the Dolomites in the next couple of days, otherwise it is going to be a bright sunny weekend. Conditions have greatly improved in Norway following the recent snowfalls. There has been great news in Sweden this weekend and it is set to continue over the weekend. There is lots of new snow to play in throughout Germany providing a great start to the weekend. There is plenty of great skiing in Bulgaria thanks to the snow earlier this week and clear skies today. The packed snow cover in Andorra is providing great skiing under beautiful sunny skies. Some snow has arrived in Scotland enabling very limited skiing at Cairngorm, Glenshee and The Lecht.
In the USA conditions continue to be fantastic in the western resorts under bright sunny skies, however the eastern areas are suffering under changeable weather. Plenty of good skiing both on and off-piste across the Canadian resorts.
Austria
Austrian snow conditions continue to be some of the best in Europe with more fresh snow falling this week. It is snowing again today and more is forecast for tomorrow with up to 30cm predicted in most areas. So far the most snow has fallen in the Arlberg region, in St Anton (80/190cm), Lech (130/175cm) and Zürs (130/175cm), with around 25cm overnight. The Kitzbühel Alps have also had their fair share. In the Ski Welt, comprising Ellmau (110/180cm), Hopfgarten (80/190cm), Scheffau (80/190cm), Söll (100/200cm) and Westendorf (90/180cm), between 30cm and 50cm has fallen this week. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend for powder in Austria!
France
The promised snow has fallen in France but unfortunately to not much effect. Dustings fell in most northern alpine resorts but the base remains hard underneath so the fresh snow will soon be scraped off. Take care when riding today because hidden beneath that light powder could be ice! Meribel (40/83cm), Avoriaz (105/120cm), Courchevel (70/83cm) and Val Thorens (55/65cm) however had between 5cm and 10cm so conditions here are a little better with the refreshment of the pistes. Temperatures remain low and the sun will return so unfortunately the new snow will be short lived.
Switzerland
Switzerland has now joined Austria in a welcome refreshment of snowfall. However, it is not quite as widespread. There is some great news for Verbier (32/105cm) and Haute Nendaz (40/105cm) though where over 17cm of fresh snow has fallen in the last 24hrs. The Davos resorts of Arosa (55/105cm), Davos (81/136cm) and Klosters (75/118cm) have benefited the most this week with between 20cm and 30cm of fresh snow. Zermatt (62/165cm) has unfortunately been left off the list of resorts getting fresh snow but continues to have good skiing due to good snow depths at altitude.
Italy
It’s been a cloudy and windy week in Italy with little in the way of snowfall. Skiing is still mostly fast carving on well groomed pistes. The resorts of Sestriere (50/100cm) and Cesana Torinese (50/100cm) are closed in preparation for the Olympic Games but Sauze d’Oulx (50/100cm) and Claviere (50/100cm) are still open for skiing. The outlook for these areas is good with sunny skies forecast after a cloudy start today. In the Dolomites and the east towards Austria there is the chance of some snowfall today and tomorrow.
Andorra
As predicted the skies have remained sunny this week and this will continue over the weekend. There are currently clear blue skies at Pas de la Casa (120/140cm) but they are suggesting that there will be a light shower of snow later in the day. The deep snow packs on the upper slopes means that skiers can enjoy excellent on-piste conditions.
Norway/Sweden
Snow has continued to fall this week in the Norwegian resorts and it is forecast to be a mixture of cloud and sunny spells over the weekend. At Geilo (70/80cm) there has been 10cm of fresh snow overnight and they are now reporting powder conditions throughout the area. This is excellent news especially as it is cloudy and snowy again today. Conditions at Oppdal (45/70cm) have great improved following the snow this week which includes 10cm last night.
The fresh snow which was forecast at the beginning of the week has now arrived. Sälen (60/70cm) has 10cm of fresh snow overnight which has left a light dusting on the packed pistes. Åre (42/68cm) had 2cm and they both have more snow forecast over the next five days which is excellent news for the weekend ahead.
Germany
Snow has fallen during the last day in all of the German resorts. There are currently blizzard conditions throughout the country and the snow is set to continue until Saturday. Garmisch (40/235cm) has excellent powder conditions both on and off the piste following 40cm overnight. Berchtesgaden (75/215cm) has similar conditions after 25cm of new snow. At Feldberg (85/160cm) they have now had a dusting of 10cm which has greatly improved the packed pistes of earlier in the week.
Bulgaria
There are more great conditions in the Andorran resorts thanks to the snowfall from the start of the week. This has greatly improved the snow cover at Bansko (120/160cm), Borovets (80/110cm) and Pamporovo (70/100cm) with good skiing on fresh snow cover that is getting more skier packed. Off-piste there are still patches of untracked snow thanks to the amount of snowfall and the cold temperatures.
Scotland
Some snow has fallen in Scotland enabling the Ciste Fairway to open at Cairngorm thanks to fresh drifted snow on the run. The Lecht is still providing skiing on one beginner run thanks to new snow falling to top up to the firm base. The Claybokie run still has snow for skiing and boarding at Glenshee thanks to the cover of man made snow. The heavy rain at Glencoe is falling as snow on the higher levels, although they are still yet to open for skiing. There is also an accumulation of fresh snow down below the top station at the Nevis Range. The artificial slope is open and has pockets of fresh snow on it. Give them a call to book a lesson.
USA
It’s time to enjoy last week’s snow in Colorado, Utah and California with some brilliant sunshine and fantastic snow conditions. Powder is still to be found and the groomers are in fantastic condition. Temperatures are fairly mild in Heavenly (292/353), Mammoth (305/366cm) and Squaw Valley (145/430cm) and some spring like conditions are beginning to appear. In eastern resorts the weather continues to be changeable with sun, cloud and showers. Smuggler’s Notch (50/100cm) and Stowe (70/100cm) have benefited from fresh snow the most with around 30cm each.
Canada
Most places are reporting fantastic skiing in the sunshine in Canada this week and after a light dusting today, Banff/Lake Louise (56/147cm) and Sunshine Village (155/175cm) will join the rest of them with blue skies. The low temperatures will also keep the snow in good condition. Powder can still be found off-piste and piste conditions are great on the whole. In Blue Mountain (65/85cm) snow continues to fall and improve the conditions.
European Weather Outlook
Two days of heavy snow and cloud are forecast in Austria. Skies are predicted to clear over the weekend to reveal sunshine. The new snow in Bulgaria can be enjoyed with clear skies for the next few days but this will hopefully be followed by more snowfall as we move into nex |
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| #17 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 13/02/2006 @ 18:21 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 13/02/2006 @ 18:21) |
| In reply to post #16
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Monday 13 February 2006
Introduction
The European conditions could do with more snow. There are some good on-piste conditions but the lack of major snow dumps and varying temperatures over the last few weeks means that some areas have hard packed snow cover with worn and icy patches coming through. We have had really mixed reports from skiers in the Alps, some loving the conditions and some not having much fun at all. It is still mostly hard on-piste in France but snow is forecast midweek. Conditions remain mostly hard packed in Italy. The Swiss resorts are in a similar situation too. Last week’s new snow in Austria is keeping conditions great. It is going to be a snowy week in Norway. Sweden has good on-piste conditions and there is snow forecast for later in the week. Excellent conditions continue throughout Germany this week and more snow is forecast in the next couple of days. There is good skiing in Bulgaria on well covered pistes of packed snow. There is some great on-piste skiing across Andorra thanks to the cold temperatures and packed snow cover. Snow is forecast for later in the week in Scotland which will hopefully mean that snowsports can resume in the Nevis Range and Cairngorms.
There is some fantastic on-piste cruising to be had in the western United States whilst snow is falling in the east. Piste conditions are great for fast carving in Canada.
Austria
The fresh snow that fell last week in Austria has remained in excellent condition due to the low temperatures. Skiing is therefore still fantastic in most areas with some great piste conditions and fresh tracks still to be found in the powder off-piste. Several resorts had fresh snow right up until Saturday followed by sun and clear skies which dominates again today. Hintertux (60/190cm) in the Zillertal valley has some great skiing both on and off-piste with the 30cm that fell on Saturday. The snow should remain in great condition all week with temperatures predicted to stay low.
France
The snow that fell at the end of last week improved things in the northern Alps slightly. In Avoriaz (110/125cm) and the rest of the Portes du Soleil where the most fell, around 15cm on Friday, the conditions are excellent for some fast piste cruising. Both Tignes (66/90cm) and Val d’Isere (65/76cm) also had a dusting and has good piste conditions if a little hard in places with warn patched on the lower runs. In lower resorts the mild temperatures are still creating varied conditions with some ice and some spring snow. There is some light at the end of the tunnel though as Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to bring long overdue snowfalls. This will hopefully help to complete the runs that have worn and icy patches.
Switzerland
The skiing in Switzerland is not too bad thanks to some resorts receiving snow into the start of the weekend. As a general comment the lower slopes can be expected to be hard packed with more packed snow on the upper runs. The snow that did fall into the weekend has not provided powder conditions but has added to the conditions. Arosa (55/105cm), Davos (82/145cm), Flims/Laax (75/165cm), Klosters (75/138cm), Lenzerheide (130/150cm) and Samnaun (60/95cm) are all reporting new snow falling Saturday. Just be aware that there are some hard and thinning areas.
Italy
There hasn’t been much change in the conditions over the weekend in Italy and fresh snow would still be quite welcome. Skiing is mostly restricted to the pistes which are mostly hard and icy in places. The sun is shining today though so skiing is fairly pleasant under the blue skies and low temperatures are preventing freeze-thaw conditions. It’s a lovely sunny day in the Olympic resorts as well! There is still plenty of good snow at altitude in the resorts of Madonna di Campiglio (40/120cm), Passo Tonale (100/150cm) and Val Senales (20/140cm). The conditions should hopefully improve later in the week with snow forecast on Wednesday and Thursday.
Andorra
Still great skiing across the ski resorts in Andorra. Cloud cover has moved in over the resorts reducing the light quality but the upside is that this cloud has brought light snowfall to Arcalis (90/150cm) today. The snow cover across the other resorts is pretty unchanged with packed snow cover providing great on-piste conditions. The below zero temperatures are also helping to preserve the quality and quantity of the snow cover.
Norway/Sweden
There is excellent news for the Norwegian resorts as after today it is set to snow right through the week. The pistes are in excellent condition with the best snow on the upper slopes. Trysil (55/80cm) has typically great conditions on-piste but the off-piste is tracked out. More snow will be welcome at Voss (50/65cm) as they are reporting the snow cover as being packed. In Sweden Sälen (53/70cm) and Åre (42/69cm) continue to have excellent on-piste conditions and varied off-piste. Snow is forecast for later in the weekend which will provide a welcome dusting of fresh snow.
Germany
Snow continued to fall in Germany until Saturday as predicted and the sun has now started to shine. Conditions in Germany continue to be excellent and more snow is forecast towards the middle of this week. At Feldberg (90/170cm) the piste is in excellent condition although the off-piste is slightly tracked, with more snow forecast for tomorrow through until Thursday it will be an excellent week on the piste. It is necessary to wrap up warm at Reit im Winkl (180/275cm) but with powder throughout the area it is worth braving the cold conditions.
Bulgaria
The conditions in Bulgaria have not had any major changes over the weekend with packed snow cover providing great on-piste opportunities. There is excellent visibility at Bansko (120/160cm) thanks to beautiful sunny skies. The light at Borovets (80/110cm) and Pamporovo (70/100cm) is a little reduced with the clouds over the resorts, but this does not detract from the fine on-piste skiing.
Scotland
There is good news for Scotland this week as snow is forecast towards the end of the week. The Lecht (10/15cm) has three lifts open. Two beginner’s runs are complete with a good cover of manmade snow and the bottom half of the Grouse run is worn in places but complete. Glencoe (0/12cm) is now reporting that they are open for the winter season but unfortunately there is not enough snow for snowsports at present. The Nevis Range (0/10cm) has nearly enough snow on the upper slopes for snowsports and with more snow forecast later in this week they maybe able to offer skiing towards the weekend.
USA
Sunny weather continues to dominate in the Rockies and in western resorts of the United States. There is some cloud around but visibility should be pretty good. The piste skiing is fantastic so enjoy some great cruising on corduroy pistes. With the huge amount of snowfall this season, there should also be the chance to find a few powder stashes in some areas. The temperatures in California however are still fairly mild and some spring conditions are showing in the resorts of Heavenly (292/343cm), Mammoth (244/305cm) and Squaw Valley (135/420cm). In the east Mount Snow (50/85cm) has had 10cm of fresh snow and in most areas it is cloudy today with flurries expected so there will be some new snow to ski on.
Canada 
After a sunny weekend flurries of snow are due to return to Canada throughout the week. This should hopefully offer refreshment to the off-piste conditions which are now mostly tracked out. Piste conditions are however still pretty good and offer some great cruising and carving so sharpen up those edges. Big White (239/269cm), Red Mountain (222/262cm) and Whistler (281/341cm) are testament to the huge snow depths that cont |
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| #18 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 16/02/2006 @ 16:14 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 16/02/2006 @ 16:14) |
| In reply to post #17
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Thursday 16 February 2006
Introduction
Today there is a real change to the Alpine reports with snow storms through most of the Alps. In Austria fresh snow has fallen but mild temperatures mean that there is heavy snow in some lower areas. There have been huge dumps of snow overnight in France, up to half a metre, but rain has fallen with it so lower areas are wet and heavy. Some Italian resorts have had snow but once again the mild temperatures mean that lower slopes are heavy and hard to ski. There has been a considerable amount of snow across most of the Swiss resorts providing some great skiing for the weekend, but again the lower slopes are affected by wet conditions. Snow will continue to fall over the weekend in Norway. Conditions remain good on-piste in Sweden with snow forecast for the weekend. Good skiing in Germany thanks to recent snowfalls. The snow forecast in Bansko and Borovets will bring a dusting of snow to the hard packed pistes. The conditions are well preserved in Andorra and snow is forecast for tomorrow and Sunday. The skiing is picking up in Scotland with 2 runs at The Lecht, Claybokie open for skiing at Glenshee and the Nevis Range and Glencoe planning to open for some skiing from Friday.
The season continues to be fantastic in the USA with more fresh snow falling in the Rockies. Piste skiing continues to be excellent in Canada on the solid snow base.
Austria
Fresh snow has fallen in Austria providing some areas with good powder skiing. Most of the new snow fell in the eastern regions with western resorts receiving only a dusting or nothing at all so far. The Arlberg resorts, Lech (120/165cm), St Anton (90/210cm) and Zürs (120/165cm) each had 30cm of new snow, as did the glacier resort of Kaunertal (80/180cm). Ischgl (60/130cm), Galtür (80/130cm), and Kühtai (140/140cm) are also skiing in powder today with between 10 and 20cm of fresh snow. Unfortunately due to the mild temperatures this recent precipitation has also been falling as rain, particularly in lower altitude areas. Some resorts are reporting wet and heavy conditions on the lower slopes and therefore skiing will get more difficult lower down.
France
There has been a lot of snowfall particularly in the northern French Alps overnight but only at altitude. Chamonix (20/200cm) is reporting 40cm of fresh snowfall but only above 2100m. Below that the mild temperatures mean that any precipitation is falling as rain. It is the same story in a lot of resorts that fresh snow has fallen at the top but lower areas are wet and heavy due to the rain. The higher resorts are definitely better for skiing today but the cloudy, snowy and rainy weather continues making visibility poor. Tignes (96/130cm), La Rosiere (90/150cm) and Alpe d’Huez (98/140cm) as high resorts have had the best snowfall with around 40cm each so far.
Switzerland
The conditions across the Swiss resorts have really improved thanks to new snow for nearly all resorts. The weather today is really varied with rain in some resorts and blizzard conditions in others. Engleberg (20/190cm) is closed today due to blizzard conditions and high winds leading to the closure of all lifts. Andermatt, Anzere, Grimentz, and Zermatt are all reporting snow storms or blizzard conditions today. Rain is affecting some resorts, especially on the slopes below about 2000m, including Champery, Grindelwald, Lenk, Les Mosses, Leysin and Mürren. Wengen is affected by fog reducing the visibility today. Snow is the order of the day in most resorts though and should be falling in the upper areas of the resorts affected by the rain. Despite some variable weather conditions there is great skiing throughout the Swiss resorts.
Italy
A few areas in Italy have enjoyed some new snow overnight as others remain waiting for refreshing snowfall. The Monterosa ski area that includes Alagna (60/60cm), Champoluc (40/60cm) and Gressoney-la-Trinite (40/60cm) had some long over due fresh snow with 5cm, 5cm and 25cm respectively. Cervinia (45/95cm) also enjoyed 25cm of fresh snow. As with other parts of Europe though, there are mild temperatures and some lower slopes are likely to be heavy from wet snow or rain. There is still some good skiing around both high up on the fresh powder and on well groomed pistes.
Andorra
Conditions in Andorra have remained fairly constant this week. The only snow fell in Arcalis (90/150cm) on Monday. There is some good news for the weekend as clouds have now begun to form and snow is forecast throughout all of our reported resorts tomorrow and then again on Sunday. This will hopefully provide a dusting on the surface of the excellent on-piste conditions. Soldeu (80/120cm) has now opened all of their lifts giving access to good on-piste conditions but off-piste is reported to be crud.
Norway/Sweden
The snow has arrived in Norway improving the on-piste conditions. At Trysil (55/85cm) they have had 6cm of fresh snow overnight and there are now twenty nine lifts open. The most snow fell at Hemsedal (75/75cm) with 10cm of fresh snow. Unfortunately Oppdal (45/70cm) has not had any new snow this week but it is forecast to snow there tomorrow. In Sweden there is good skiing on packed pistes at both Sälen (53/70cm) and Åre (42/65cm). The weekend ahead looks good with snow on the way but it will be windy so it is necessary to wrap up warm.
Germany
The great snow cover in Germany looks as though it may get a little wet today with rain possible at Berchtesgaden (90/250cm), Feldberg (90/190cm), Lenggries (100/170cm) and Spitzingsee (110/190cm). The other resorts are a little colder meaning that the cloud cover should hopefully bring some snow. This would bring more great conditions to Garmisch (45/275cm), Oberstdorf (70/190cm) and Reit im Winkl (110/250cm) for the weekend. In general the skiing is really good with some fantastic snow depths, especially on the upper slopes, providing excellent on-piste skiing conditions and some packed and tracked off-piste.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria continues to have good on piste packed conditions. There is some good news with snow expected tomorrow and Sunday at Bansko (100/140cm) and Borovets (80/115cm) which will provide a fresh dusting on the hard packed pistes. The outlook for the rest of the weekend is going to be bright sunny skies.
Scotland
Glenshee still has skiing on man-made snow on Claybokie, and The Lecht has two beginners runs open with a cover of man-made snow. There are some hard and icy patches in places. Glencoe has blizzard conditions today which should subside by tomorrow. With this new snowfall they are planning to open for snowsports from Friday. The Nevis Range has similar plans with snow down to the top of the Gondola station and more expected. The wind may affect the lift operation at the Nevis Range today but they are also planning to open for snowsports tomorrow.
USA
More fresh snow has fallen over the Rockies and the wonder season in the USA continues. Most places in Colorado and Utah have had at least a dusting so far. Aspen (118/155cm), Snowbird (272/302cm) and Steamboat (192/242cm) have had between 20cm and 30cm in the last 24hrs so check out these resorts for some powder. The pistes are still excellent as well wherever new snow hasn’t fallen thanks to grooming efforts. On the eastside of the United States conditions continue to be fairly good thanks to recent snow but with nothing like the snow depths of the west, so care is needed in some areas.
Canada
Piste cruising and carving on well groomed pistes is the best way to describe the current conditions in western Canada. Some areas have had a dusting recently, Panorama (77/116cm) had a refreshme |
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| #19 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 28/02/2006 @ 05:40 |
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| #20 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 10/03/2006 @ 14:45 |
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| In reply to post #19
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Ive been a bit lazy the last few weeks with submitting the snow reports from the Ski Club of Great Britain and I am a day late with this one....will be back to normal by Monday. Enjoy the great snow conditions around at present....more snow for Scotland too.
Thursday 9 March 2006
Introduction
There has been lots of new snow in Europe, but mild temperatures have made it wet and heavy at lower altitudes in some locations. Loads of new snow has fallen in Austria but is accompanied by rain at lower altitudes today. In France, Val d’Isere and Tignes have had 40cm of snow overnight. More fresh snow in Italy with 50cm falling in Cervinia. Fresh snow in Switzerland is also accompanied by some mild temperatures and wet snow. Norway has good skiing on packed pistes. Good skiing on packed snow cover in the Swedish resorts. More brilliant skiing across Germany thanks to the recent snowfall bringing some fantastic powder conditions both on and off-piste. Conditions in Borovets and Pamporovo in Bulgaria are improving with new snow and more forecast for Saturday and Sunday. On-piste conditions remain good in Andorra and there is more snow on the way. Pistes are becoming thinner in Scotland but more snow is on the way.
New snow in the USA has lead to yet more powder conditions across most of the country. Recent snow flurries in Canada have kept the skiing at its usual standard.
Austria
The skies have opened up over the Austrian mountains dropping lots of snow all over the place. Most areas have had between 10 and 30cm of fresh snow, and Galtür (140/190cm), Ischgl (120/200cm), Kaunertal (110/220cm), Lech (150/250cm), St Anton (140/300cm) and Zürs (150/250cm) have had around half a metre each. Serfaus and Fiss (130/210cm) have recorded the most overnight snowfall in Austria at 70cm. Temperatures have however risen in the last 24hrs. Snow on the lower lying pistes and in lower resorts is wet and heavy, and skiing is much better at altitude. The precipitation continues today and due to the warmer temperatures is falling as rain at lower altitudes. Some lifts are also closed today due to the weather, but the accessible powder and pistes at altitude are a lot of fun with the new snow.
France
More heavy snow has fallen in the northern Alps and lighter snow has fallen elsewhere. Mild temperatures have once again made freezing level high, and the snow is very wet and waterlogged at lower lying levels. Stick to the higher slopes to enjoy the recent snow. The best snow can be found at the higher altitude resorts such as Avoriaz (270/300cm), La Rosiere (185/310cm), Courchevel (145/165cm), Les Arcs (160/220cm), Orcieres (192/252cm) and Val Thorens (165/175cm). Val d’Isere (185/210cm) and Tignes (172/240cm) have had around 40cm of fresh snow each after heavy snow last night and, owing to their higher altitude, the snow is in good condition. It is forecast to get colder in the next couple of days, hopefully improving the condition of the snow at lower levels.
Switzerland
Heavy snowfall has fallen in most parts of Switzerland along with the rest of the Alps. Mild temperatures and rain mean that lower altitude snow is wet and heavy, but higher up there is plenty of good fresh snow to play in. Samnaun (160/200cm) recorded the most 24hr snow at 70cm but significant snow has also fallen in Andermatt (150/280cm), Arosa (70/120cm), Davos (111/196cm), Klosters (90/196cm), Saas Fee (142/301cm), Zermatt (47/145cm) and Zinal (50/90cm). Saas Fee and Zermatt both have delayed lift openings due to the conditions. Temperatures are due to drop over the next couple of days which should improve the overall condition of the snow.
Italy
Some Italian resorts have also benefited from the fresh snowfall of the past few days. The Monterosa Ski areas of Alagna (135/225cm), Gressoney-la-Trinite (95/190cm) and Champoluc (90/170cm) are excellent for skiing in sunshine after yesterday’s fresh snow of 15cm, 35cm and 30cm respectively. There has also been 10cm of fresh snow in the Milky Way resorts, but milder temperatures mean that some of the lower slopes will be quite wet and heavy. For a good powder day head to Cervinia (150/220cm) where half a metre has fallen in the past 24hrs and with fair weather today skiing will be fantastic. Also in receipt of fresh snow were Bormio (30/150cm), Val Senales (30/150cm), Livigno (102/196cm), Madesimo (150/190cm) at around 10cm, while 30cm fell in Courmayeur (170/250cm).
Andorra
The temperatures in Andorra have risen this week but it has seemed cold due to the high winds. Snow showers have continued throughout the week but the high winds have caused the off-piste to become wind blown. Unfortunately at Soldeu (80/120cm) the sun yesterday has caused the lower slopes to become slushy in the afternoon, indicating that spring conditions are on the way. However there is some good news as snow is forecast again for Friday and Saturday with lower temperatures.
Norway/Sweden
It has started to snow again at Lillehammer (50/80cm) and Hemsedal (75/75cm). Both resorts woke up to a fresh dusting of snow this morning, Lillehammer had 3cm and Hemsedal 6cm of fresh. At Geilo (65/65cm) the pistes are becoming hard and packed giving some great fast skiing.
The pistes are now pretty packed across Sälen (85/112) and Åre (42/63cm) and the snow cover is staying really well maintained thanks to the low temperatures in Sweden.
Germany
The skiing in Germany is really impressive thanks to the excellent snowfall recently. To put this in perspective Münich is reporting the most snowfall since 1942. There is lots of powder snow across the resorts, both on and off-piste. Spitzingsee (130/210cm) has excellent conditions with snow falling over the past week providing some great on and off-piste skiing and boarding. Oberstdorf (80/230cm) and Reit im Winkl (130/280cm) are reporting new snowfall today adding to the great conditions. There is cloud over the resorts today too, so let’s hope that more snow comes to all of the German resorts.
Bulgaria
Conditions on Bulgarian pistes have improved following a couple of snow showers this week. Both Borovets (90/110cm) and Pamporovo (90/110cm) have had 10cm in the last two days giving fresh conditions on the lower pistes and excellent skiing on the upper slopes. These should continue to improve as it is snowing again today. At Bansko (120/150cm) more snow is needed as the pistes are becoming hard in the low temperatures, snow should arrive on Saturday though.
Scotland
The Scottish resorts are still open but the conditions are deteriorating. The Cairngorms (60/105cm) has the best snow on the pisted runs of Zig Zags, Traverse and 105 while elsewhere they are reporting the conditions as hard. The thaw yesterday at Glenshee (42/47cm) has some of the lower runs to become thin in places with rocks showing through however most of the area is expected to open. The Nevis Range (18/40cm) had a freeze last night so the pistes are becoming hard but are also thinning in places and the lower runs are getting patchy. At The Lecht (35/45cm) they are still reporting good snow cover on all runs.
USA
It just keeps on snow in the USA which has helped some of the resort suffering under spring like conditions. Telluride (140/145cm) has had 40cm in the last day giving lovely fresh powder everywhere. There was also great news for Loveland (150/190) as they woke up to 25cm of new snow, this has dramatically improved the skiing there from worn pistes to powder. At Breckenridge (173/201cm) they are reporting spring conditions across the area, the pistes are hard in the morning and softening under the sun. However, the weather is set to close in from tomorr |
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| #21 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 13/03/2006 @ 14:52 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 13/03/2006 @ 14:53) |
| In reply to post #20
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Monday 13 March 2006
Introduction
More fresh snow fell in Austria over the weekend. Good quality fresh snow has fallen in the northern French Alps too. Sunny skies and low temperatures are making piste skiing very good in Italy. Fantastic conditions across Switzerland although the temperatures are pretty cold today. Norway has good skiing on well groomed pistes. There is fast skiing on hard packed pistes in Sweden. Excellent conditions across Germany thanks to new snow over the weekend. Bulgaria also has some great skiing and new snow is falling at Pamporovo and Borovets today. Excellent on-piste conditions in Andorra. Recent snowfalls have restored the excellent conditions in Scotland.
There is more fresh snow in the western United States, while conditions in the east suffer in the rain. Fantastic skiing in western Canada thanks to last weeks new snow and low temperatures.
Austria
There as some great skiing to be had in Austria at the beginning of this week with many places having new snow over the weekend. There is some great skiing in the western areas of Austria which are bathed in sunshine today. St Anton (140/315cm), Lech (160/260cm), Zürs (160/260cm) and Brand (40/200cm) had a great weekend of snow each getting between 20 and 30cm of fresh snow, and with sunny clear weather today skiing will be fantastic. Most other areas received from a dusting up to 10cm of new snow and in central Alpine areas another dusting is forecast today. The temperatures have dropped too making the snow lighter and nicer to ski. Skiing on groomed pistes should be a lot of fun.
France
It is a fantastic start to the week for skiing in France. Lots of new snow fell in the northern Alps for most of the weekend followed by a perfect sunny and cold day today. The snow is in much better condition after the recent wet snow because of the lower temperatures and it should stay that way for most of the week. Resorts in the Portes du Soleil, the Chamonix Valley, Le Grand Massif, The Three Valleys and in the Tarantaise Valley all received a good amount of fresh snow. Further south there were dustings in places but the sun is stronger and temperatures are slightly higher so there will be some spring conditions. There is also some great news from the west as well. In the Pyrenees, Bareges/La Mongie (130/150cm), Cauterets (60/170cm) and Font Romeu (140/170cm) had between 20 and 30cm of fresh snow each and with sunshine today there is some great skiing both on and off-piste.
Switzerland
Most of the Swiss resorts are looking really good thanks to new snow over the last week or so. The major point to watch today is the temperature, with Mürren reporting -28°C and many resorts reporting temperatures below -10°C. This cold temperature is teamed with beautiful blue skies for some fantastic skiing. Anzere (120/300cm) and Samnaun (125/155cm) are reporting the last snowfall on 08th March. Haute Nendaz (40/210cm), Pontresina (70/120cm) and St Moritz (70/120cm) are reporting their last snow on 09th March. All of the other resorts have had fresh snowfall since Friday of last week providing some great powder conditions off-piste along with brilliant on-piste conditions.
Italy
Sunny skies and low temperatures prevail in Italy today making skiing conditions pretty good. Most of the fresh snow off-piste that fell last week is tracked but some stashes will still be around. Lower down it will be quite varied after the wet snow and milder temperatures of last week. With the groomers doing their work piste skiing should be very good. Now that the temperatures have dropped the snow is keeping in good condition. La Thuile (60/310cm) is skiing very well both on and off-piste with its proximity to France and the snow that fell in this area at the beginning of the weekend.
Andorra
Snow fell across the resorts of Andorra this weekend. The snow depths have increased by about 20cm giving excellent on-piste conditions. At Arcalis (120/150cm) the sun has started to shine now following the snow of the weekend, however it is very windy which has lead to the closure of some lifts. Arinsal (100/140cm) has excellent powder conditions on the piste but off-piste the winds of last week have caused conditions to vary throughout the area. Soldeu (110/130cm) is also boasting excellent on-piste conditions while the off-piste is suffering in the spring temperatures and has become heavy.
Norway/Sweden
It was a dry sunny weekend in Norway. All resorts are reporting good skiing on well groomed pistes. At Geilo (65/65cm) the pistes have become hard and packed giving excellent conditions to practice fast carving turns while the off-piste is being reported as crud. The same is true for Voss (40/50cm) but the temperatures are a lot warmer there.
There are hard packed conditions across Sälen (85/112) and Åre (42/63cm). The low temperatures have maintained the snow depths throughout the area.
Germany
Excellent skiing in the German resorts thanks to some superb recent snow being added to over the weekend. We are reporting a new upper depth at Feldberg (150/430cm) of 430cm thanks to new snow from last week and over the weekend. Garmisch (60/360cm), Lenggries (100/220cm), Oberstdorf (80/230cm), Reit im Winkl (130/290cm) and the Götschen area at Berchtesgaden (70/220cm) are all reporting new snowfall yesterday. All in all the conditions in Germany are pretty brilliant with superb light powder snow and massively increased base depths from the last couple of weeks of snow.
Bulgaria
Bansko (125/155cm) received new snow on Saturday and are warning of a high avalanche danger so exercise caution. The piste skiing is in great condition and the lifts are open in the forest part of the ski area. Borovets (90/110cm) are reporting snow falling today and are also alerting people to a high avalanche danger in the area. Pamporovo (110/160cm) has much improved snow depth thanks to new snow from the weekend, and this is continuing to fall today. The cloud cover is reducing the visibility though.
Scotland
It has started to snow again in Scotland and at The Cairngorms (70/120cm) they are having trouble getting into the resort and clearing the area. All the lifts are currently closed as clearing the road into the resort is proving to be a problem as the snow keeps drifting, at present they are aiming to open the lifts at lunchtime. There is loads of new snow at Glencoe (30/60cm), they all have their fingers crossed that the wind will drop allowing perfect conditions to enjoy all of the new snow. Glenshee (50/60cm) has also benefited from new snow this weekend but the blizzard conditions are preventing access to the upper slopes, however the lower slopes have plenty of fresh snow cover. They are currently working on opening the roadside lifts. The Nevis Range (18/42cm) has not benefited as much as the other resorts as the lower runs have become softer in the milder temperatures and some runs are becoming thin and icy. The Lecht (40/50cm) has complete cover on all runs.
USA
It’s been another snowy few days in the USA this weekend bringing more of that powder which we love. It continues to snow in most areas today in the west. The biggest snowfalls occurred in Steamboat (210/280cm), Timberline (455/505cm), Taos (115/145cm) and Durango (130/180cm) with 30cm, 32cm, 45cm and 50cm respectively. This is of course a fantastic improvement to Taos and Durango where conditions have been nothing like those of other western resorts. Powder and great pistes skiing is now on the menu. Unfortunately this good fortune is not mirrored on the eastern seaboard where all of the resorts are suffering due to rain, wind and mild temperatures. S |
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| #22 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 16/03/2006 @ 15:38 |
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Thursday 16 March 2006
Introduction
There is great March skiing on-piste in Austria and fantastic skiing in the sunshine across France. Sunny skies and good pistes providing very pleasant spring skiing in Italy. Beautiful sunshine and great snow making skiing a dream in Switzerland. There is fast skiing on hard packed pistes in Norway and Sweden. The great conditions continue across Germany. There are excellent on-piste conditions throughout Bulgaria and more snow is on the way. In Andorra the best conditions can be found on the upper slopes. The conditions in Scotland have greatly improved following this week’s snowfalls.
The season in the US continues to provide powder skiing with more fresh snow falling this week. Dustings of snow top up the conditions in Canada.
Austria
Conditions are near perfect in Austria this week, with few clouds around today to spoil these great conditions. After the cold temperatures and snow of last week the weather is returning to typical early March conditions with temperatures cold enough to keep the snow pretty good but warm enough to be pleasant for skiing. The best skiing is generally on well groomed pistes with the snow being perfect for some cruising and carving as snow levels are still high. Towards the end of the day some lower altitude and south facing runs may become soft and slushy but other than that skiing is very good. Some resorts worth noting are Filzmoos (120/220cm), Gargellen (110/210cm), Ischgl (120/210cm) and Kühtai (170/170cm) where snow depths are still high throughout the whole resorts.
France
It is a perfect week of March skiing across France this week after last week’s snow fall and this week’s beautiful clear skies and sunshine. The temperatures start off pretty cold in the morning too and gradually increase throughout the day proving that spring is here. South facing slopes and lower lying pistes do get slushy towards the end of the day but piste skiing on the whole is excellent – well groomed and great for some carving and cruising. Powder can still be found as well but off-piste conditions are mainly variable. Meribel (105/215cm), Les Arcs (188/243cm), Flaine (107/395cm), La Rosiere (172/345cm) and Le Grand Bornand (250/290cm) all have good deep bases and snow that has kept well from last week.
Switzerland
The majority of resorts across Switzerland are bathed in fantastic sunshine again today allowing skiers and boarders to really take advantage of the excellent conditions after the recent snowfalls. Arosa (90/140cm), Davos (109/186cm), Engleberg (60/350cm), Klosters (105/186cm), Mürren (100/340cm) have some cloud today interrupting the sunshine. St Moritz (70/120cm) and Pontresina (70/120cm) are reporting overcast skies, so expect the light to be flatter than at some of the other resorts. Grindelwald (40/160cm) are lucky enough to be reporting snowfall already today. A great weekend ahead too with sunny skies predicted for all of the Swiss resorts.
Italy
It is good for some spring skiing in Italy this week, hard first thing in the morning, softening up in the afternoon. The sun is shining over most resorts and piste skiing is still pretty good. There is some obscured visibility in the Dolomite resorts today but the cloud should clear soon. Whilst Italy did not have the huge snowfall that the French Alps had last week, several areas still have good, deep snow bases. Courmayeur (170/250cm), Cervinia (150/200cm), La Thuile (60/310cm), Madesimo (150/190cm), Madonna di Campiglio (70/230cm) and Passo Tonale (150/220cm) are all still recording high snow levels throughout the resorts and piste skiing is very good.
Andorra
It has been a sunny few days in Andorra with milder temperatures which have increased again today. Pas de la Casa (135/155cm) has typical conditions for Andorra with excellent upper pistes while the lower ones are beginning to suffer under the strong spring sun. At Soldeu (110/150cm) the best snow is on the upper slopes and the off-piste has become heavy due to the warmer temperatures. The weather is going to become cloudier as we move into the weekend and snow is forecast for Sunday.
Norway/Sweden
It has been a bright sunny few days in Norway but the temperatures have been very low. The low temperatures have resulted in hard packed conditions throughout the resorts we report on. Voss (40/50cm) has hard conditions on both the upper and lower slopes with varied conditions off-piste. This is also the same in Hemsedal (75/75cm) giving fast skiing throughout the area, perfect conditions to practice carving turns. In Sweden is has also been a bright sunny week apart from yesterday at Sälen (85/112cm) where there was a dusting of fresh snow. At Åre (42/63cm) skiing on hard packed pistes is the order of the day.
Germany
The great conditions continue across Germany today and this looks set to continue and possibly improve over the week. Light snow is forecast for all of the resort at the start of next week and snowfall is already reported in Spitzingsee (140/220cm) today. Reit im Winkl (125/175cm) also has some light snowfall predicted to come at the start of the weekend. The other resorts have some fantastic on-piste conditions thanks to the recent snowfalls and great off-piste conditions can still be found.
Bulgaria
There continues to be great conditions throughout the Bulgarian resorts and with more snow on the way it looks like these will hold. It is currently snowing at Borovets (100/120cm) and there is powder both on and off the pistes. Pamporovo (110/160cm) and Bansko (125/155cm) are under cloud today suggesting that the forecast snow is on the way which can only improve the excellent on-piste conditions which they both have.
Scotland
There are now great conditions in most of the Scottish resorts following the continuous snowfall this week. At The Lecht (45/55cm) there is some fresh snow but the majority of the resort has a covering of hard packed snow. The Nevis Range (28/52cm) is slightly suffering but hopefully the new snow will improve the conditions. They are reporting hard frozen pistes with some icy areas. All runs complete except beginners' runs with some middle runs narrow in places but they are all skiable. The best areas for beginners are on the road to the Goose chair and Rob Roy's Return. Glenshee (55/70cm) has a complete cover of snow on all runs which is groomed and packed giving excellent skiing. Finally the Cairngorms (85/135cm) have good skiing and boarding on all main runs but there are some icy patches. There are good conditions on the Traverse, the 105 and on the ZigZags conditions are improving but still some icy patches. For beginners the best areas are at the top, but they also have some hard and icy patches in places.
USA
The season in the States isn’t over yet with more of that famous North American powder falling in the past 48hrs. Most of the snow has fallen over Utah in the resorts of Alta (395/395cm), Snowbird (317/347cm), Solitude (325/355cm) and The Canyons (245/275cm), and at Big Sky (175/275cm) and Jackson Hole (257/265cm) where between 25 and 40cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past 24hrs. The big news however is at Heavenly (371/432cm) where over one metre of fresh snow has fallen in the past 48hrs! Look out for some fantastic powder and groomed powder conditions almost everywhere in the west. On the eastern Seaboard of the United States conditions had been deteriorating in the rain and warmer temperatures but fortunately the resorts have seen a turnaround with some fresh snow. Most areas have only had a dusting, not really enough to cover up the hard, icy conditions. At Stowe (75/105cm) however, arou |
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| #23 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 20/03/2006 @ 20:09 |
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Revision #2 (Last edited: 20/03/2006 @ 20:11) |
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Monday 20 March 2006
Introduction
Spring conditions and sunshine are on offer in Austria. Spring like conditions dominate in France as well but with cloud and poor visibility. There is good packed piste skiing in Italy with some spring snow. Great spring skiing is also on offer in Switzerland with good snow still available at altitude. There are still packed conditions in Norway and Sweden. Today sees beautiful sunshine to enhance the skiing across Germany. Great piste cruising in sunshine is on offer this week in Bulgaria. In Andorra Spring conditions can be found in all of the resorts. Scottish skiing is looking good with more snow falling today.
Yet more fresh snow in the States means powder skiing combined with some spring snow. Fresh snow in some Canadian resorts means another chance to ski some powder.
Austria
Spring has finally arrived in Austria and skiing is now very pleasant in warm sunshine. This does also of course mean a change in snow conditions. The pistes will start out pretty firm from the overnight temperatures and soften as the day goes on. By the end of the day snow at lower altitudes on resort runs may become slushy and there is some spring snow off-piste. There are still plenty of resorts with good, deep snow depths such as St Anton (110/275cm), Lech (135/235cm), Zürs (135/235cm), Ischgl (120/210cm), Obertauern (220/280cm) and Gargellen (100/200cm), and with the Austrian glaciers as well skiing should remain good well into April.
France
After probably one of the best weeks of the season for weather and snow conditions in France, the cloud is now coming in again and the temperatures have become warmer. Visibility is on the whole pretty poor today. Spring is very much underway with snow conditions getting spring like. Pistes start off hard in the morning and soften up as the day goes on with some runs becoming wet and slushy by the end of the day. The good deep snow bases of many resorts including Alpe d’Huez (169/260cm), Avoriaz (245/265cm), Samoëns (200/385cm), La Rosiere (155/310cm), Le Grand Bornand (205/265cm) and Les Saisses (190/240cm) among others mean that the snow looks set to last right until the end of the season. Good news as well with snow forecast this week. Mild temperatures may mean rain at lower levels but powder up top.
Switzerland
As with the rest of Europe, spring conditions dominate in Switzerland. It’s a beautiful sunny day on the most part with some cloud forming in western resorts. Whilst pistes start out firm and soften as the day progresses, many resorts still have plenty of good snow at higher altitudes including Andermatt (120/260cm), Anzere (80/280cm), Engelberg (45/330cm), Mürren (95/325cm) and Zermatt (69/235cm). At Saas Fee (112/279cm) the snow remains very good throughout. With the cloud developing in the western parts of Switzerland there is a good chance of fresh snow falling this week.
Italy
It’s a sunny start to the week in northern and eastern resorts for some very pleasant spring skiing and in the west cloud has already developed. As with most of Europe the snow is pretty firm in the morning and softens as the day goes on with the rising temperatures. The snow depths of the resorts of Alagna (120/200cm), Cervinia (140/200cm), Chiesa (120/200cm), Courmayeur (150/250cm), La Thuile (60/310cm), Madesimo (150/190cm) and Passo Tonale (150/220cm) are good and should last well into April. Cloud is moving in and snow is forecast for the next few days but some rain may fall at lower altitudes.
Andorra
Spring has arrived in Andorra with spring snow throughout all the resorts. There is a mixture of good and bad news in all of the resorts as it is snowing on the upper slopes but unfortunately due to the milder temperatures this has become rain lower down. Arcalis (120/170cm) has snow reopened all of the lifts in the area. Soldeu (110/140cm) needs the temperatures to drop as conditions are soft on the lower slopes and heavy off-piste.
Norway/Sweden
Unfortunately the snow forecast for the weekend did not materialise. However, snow has started to fall in Voss (40/50cm) where they awoke to 2cm this morning and it is set to keep snowing right through the week. This will give a soft surface to the hard packed pistes. There is also good news for Lillehammer (50/80cm) and Oppdal (50/80cm) where it is expected to snow today, refreshing the hard packed pistes. Sweden has some good skiing on packed snow cover today too. Åre (42/63cm) has the added advantage of cloudy skies over the resort expected to bring some light snow today. Sälen (80/110cm) is also skiing on hard packed snow cover, although the clouds do not look quite so promising today.
Germany
Today there are sunny skies across the German resorts providing fantastic skiing. The snow cover across all of the resorts is still really good, with the best cover on the upper runs. Feldberg (140/400cm), Reit im Winkl (115/250cm) and Spitzingsee (130/210cm) all have resort snow levels in excess of 1 metre, meaning that the skiing throughout those resorts is still excellent. The mild temperatures and intense sunshine are warming up the snow cover into the afternoon, providing the first real spring skiing of the season.
Bulgaria
The late season conditions continue to be very good in Bulgaria. Today there is some great piste skiing under gorgeous blue skies. Pamporovo (120/180cm) had 10cm of fresh snow over the weekend and offers some great all round skiing today. With temperatures at -3ºC all round the snow will be maintained for a good few days skiing in the sunshine.
Scotland
The general snow conditions across the Scottish resorts are of hard packed snow with some icy patches especially in areas of high amount of skier and boarder traffic. Cairngorm skiing is supported by 7 lifts today, and extra lifts will be opened if the demand is there. Glencoe has snow cover across all of the area with all 7 runs expected to operate. Skiing in Glenshee is fairly typical with hard packed snow cover in most places, and some icy patches. The Nevis Range is also hard packed with the best skiing on the runs that were well groomed through the night. Some of the middle runs are narrow, but there is plenty of skiing for beginners around the top gondola station. The Lecht also has complete snow cover with hard packed pistes. Again there is plenty of beginner skiing and there are 7 runs open with others opening if the demand is there.
USA
It has been another weekend that has brought yet more snow to the mountains in the United States. Almost all resorts in the west have had plenty of new snow and several in the east have had welcome snowfall too. Alta (405/405cm), Aspen (152/162cm) and Mammoth (445/495cm) have all had the most in the past day at around 20cm with most others experiencing heavy snow on Friday and Saturday. A storm is forecast to hit Californian resorts today and tomorrow bringing lots of new snow, not that it’s needed at Squaw Valley where the snow depths rest at a huge 310cm at lower levels and 760cm on the upper slopes! Fresh snow has kept the conditions alive in the east as well. Killington (50/75cm), Smuggler’s Notch (50/90cm), Stowe (75/105cm) and Sugarbush (15/90cm) all had between 12cm and 15cm of fresh snow each. Despite all this fresh snow some spring conditions are present at lower altitudes.
Canada
There has been more fresh snow over the weekend in Canada meaning that there is still some powder skiing on offer this winter. Kicking Horse (162/192cm) has had 15cm of fresh snow and Red Mountain (308/338cm) has had 30cm of fresh snow in the past three days. Banff/Lake Louise (110/164cm), Kimberley (127/157cm) an |
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| #24 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 23/03/2006 @ 16:48 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 23/03/2006 @ 16:49) |
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Thursday 23 March 2006
Introduction
Spring conditions are on offer in Austria but lower temperatures mean that there are some areas of hard pack and ice. Spring conditions still dominate in France but fresh dustings here and there provide some nice snow conditions at altitude. The skiing in Italy is also on spring snow in beautiful sunshine. Some fresh snow at altitude in some Swiss resorts means some great skiing on the upper slopes. Voss in Norway has powder on the upper slopes following the snow of the last two days. New snow has also fallen at Sälen adding to the great conditions across Sweden. The skiing in Germany is still well maintained providing some pretty great conditions. More spring conditions across the Bulgarian resorts. In Andorra conditions have improved on the upper slopes of Soldeu following fresh snow. Scottish skiing conditions continue to improve under new snow.
The late season fun continues with more fresh snow falling in the western USA. A variety of conditions are on offer in Canada with fresh powder in Whistler and spring snow forming elsewhere.
Austria
Conditions in Austria are mostly spring like now with corn snow throughout resorts. Lower temperatures today mean that the overnight freeze might continue into the day making some areas hard and icy for most of the day. Off-piste is varied with mostly spring snow. Most low slopes and resort runs can become slushy through the day and at some resorts this has taken its toll. Alpbach, Bad Kleinkircheim, Igls, Mayrhofen and Zell am Ziller all now have a lower snowpack of less than 15cm, but also all still have plenty of snow on upper runs. For the best snow head to the high glacier resorts such as Kaprun (88/312cm) or Sölden (35/350cm), or to Obertauern (220/280cm) where there is still a good deep snow base. Cloudy, unsettled weather in Austria today could bring some fresh snow to high altitudes.
France
Spring is in full flow now in France with hard pack and icy snow in the morning developing into corn snow and slush in the afternoon with some good spring snow off-piste. Cooler temperatures at altitude mean that recent precipitation in some areas fell as snow and that there is still some soft snow around. The resorts of Alpe d’Huez (160/260cm), La Plagne (40/190cm), La Rosiere (156/310cm), Orcieres (160/250cm) and Val Thorens (140/160cm) all have had a fresh dusting on the higher runs for some good skiing on soft packed powder. The sun is breaking through the cloud in most areas today giving an opportunity for some nice March skiing before Friday’s forecast of more snow and rain.
Switzerland
Although there are mostly spring conditions in Switzerland particularly at lower levels, some fresh snowfall over the past 24hrs means that today there is some good skiing both on at off-piste on the upper slopes of some resorts. Adelboden (35/155cm), Grimentz (100/170cm), Gstaad (60/150cm), Lenk (45/180cm), Les Diablerets (90/200cm) and Mürren (95/325cm) have all had between 10cm and 15cm of fresh snow on the upper levels meaning great pistes and some powder around. The lower down you ski though the heavier it will get as rain has fallen lower down. As is the case with almost all of the resorts the snow at the beginning of the day is firm and icy in places and softens up as the day goes on, particularly at lower altitudes.
Italy
It’s a lovely sunny day today to enjoy the spring conditions that dominate across Italy. The snow conditions are now corn snow almost all over with conditions starting out firm and icy due in the morning due to the overnight freeze before softening up in the sun during the day and becoming slushy by late afternoon. With the snow depths as they are in Alagna (120/200cm), Chiesa (120/200cm), Courmayeur (140/240cm) and La Thuile (60/310cm) conditions are looking good for the late season in Italy. With the glaciers, the skiing at upper levels in Cervinia (130/200cm) and Passo Tonale (130/200cm) continues to be on nicely groomed pistes.
Andorra
There has only been significant snowfall at Soldeu (110/140cm) this week. Yesterday there was 25cm of fresh snow which great improved the conditions on the upper slopes, these are now classified as excellent but the lower slopes are suffering in the milder temperatures and are now predominantly slushy. The other resorts had a dusting of 2cm on Monday but since then the hint of snow with increasing cloud cover has not come to anything. The conditions at Arinsal (100/140cm) are typical of these resorts, there is spring snow throughout the area, packed in the morning and becoming softer throughout the day.
Norway/Sweden
A few of the Norwegian resorts have benefited from fresh snow this week. Voss (40/50cm) has had 17cm of fresh snow in the last two days. This has transformed the conditions from skiing on hard packed pistes to fresh on the lower and powder on the upper. Lillehammer (50/80cm) now has a soft dusting on the pistes but they remain hard packed underneath. The snow pack is holding well in Norway due to the low temperatures across the country. The good snow cover at the Swedish resorts is being well maintained thanks to the low temperatures. New snow has fallen at Sälen (75/94cm) yesterday providing a dusting to the slopes. The packed snow cover there and at Åre (42/62cm) is providing some great skiing, especially as it is not late in the season. Sunny skies today mean excellent visibility to take full advantage of what’s on offer.
Germany
The great skiing continues today across Germany. Oberstdorf (60/220cm) received some light snowfall yesterday to add a nice topping to the great on-piste skiing. Feldberg (140/370cm) has the greatest snow depth at the moment, but they unfortunately may receive rain on Sunday which looks set to continue into next week. All of the German resorts have rain predicted on Sunday, but this looks to be short lived apart from at Feldberg.
Bulgaria
Spring conditions at Bansko (120/155cm), Borovets (60/100cm) and Pamporovo (120/170cm). Typical spring conditions including hard packed snow in the morning changing to softer and heavier snow in the afternoon, especially at Bansko and Borovets where the sun is shining today. Borovets also has a reduced snow pack due to the sunshine and warmer temperatures. This said there is still plenty of good piste skiing despite the snow not coming this week. Exercise caution if you are heading off-piste as the avalanche warnings are still in place.
Scotland
There has been plenty of new snow in a few of the Scottish resorts leading to fully covered pistes and powder. The Lecht (45/55cm) woke up to 15cm of new snow this morning. There is now an excellent cover of snow with a firm packed base and powder on the top. The Cairngorms (80/130cm) need some fresh snow as icy patches are beginning to appear in some areas. There is good news for Glencoe (40/70cm) as there was 10cm of new snow yesterday and they are expecting more snow later today. Glenshee (50/65cm) has packed pistes but on the busier runs there are icy patches. At The Lecht (45/55cm) some fresh snow has improved the packed pistes.
USA
Another snowy few days in the western United States has meant that the late season continues to offer some very good skiing conditions. Almost everywhere in the Rockies has had some fresh snow, none more so than the resorts in Utah. Alta (410/410cm), Arapahoe Basin (207/212cm), Park City (282/312cm) and Snowbasin (320/350cm) have all had significant snowfall in the past 48hrs. Taos (102/132cm) in New Mexico continues to enjoy its late season peak with another 17cm of fresh snow. The temperatures are rising and with sunshine today in most western resor |
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| #25 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 27/03/2006 @ 14:40 |
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| In reply to post #24
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Monday 27 March 2006
Introduction
Skiing conditions in Austria are typical for spring with sunshine and warm temperatures with the thaw on its way. Spring skiing under overcast skies in France with a chance of fresh snow at altitude in the next few days. The spring weather is taking its toll on the snow in Italy. Great spring conditions across the Swiss resorts with some fresh snow from the weekend. Fresh snow at most of the Norwegian resorts providing great conditions. New snow is also falling at the Swedish resorts today. There are spring conditions and mild temperatures across the German resorts. Spring conditions continue across Bulgaria. Great spring skiing across the Andorran resorts with pleasantly mild temperatures. Spring conditions across the Scottish resorts although more snow may fall this week.
There is more late season powder skiing this week in the USA with fresh snow in Utah and California. Spring conditions are starting to show in Canada.
Austria
Spring conditions continue to dominate in Austria with corn snow covering most resorts. Today’s beautiful sunshine means that skiing is how it should be at this time of year. It is warm today though and temperatures in the last few days have been quite high melting some of the snow and some resorts now have no skiing down to the resort. Having said this most resorts still have good snow levels including Gargellen (85/175cm), Ischgl (60/160cm), Fieberbrunn (80/200cm) and Kühtai (150/150cm) among others. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, snow and rain is forecast for the next few days.
France
The warm and sunny weekend has taken its toll on the snow in some areas of France and with more warm temperatures today the snow is very much typical for this time of year. There may be some hard and icy areas early in the day but the pistes soon soften with the increasing temperatures and eventually slush by the end of the day at lower altitudes. Some areas however had snow in the early part of the weekend refreshing the slopes a little. These included Foux d’Allos (160/180cm), La Plagne (30/210cm), Tignes (132/255cm) and Val d’Isere (138/160cm), but with warm temperatures the snow is quite heavy. With cloud moving in today there is a chance of fresh powder skiing in the next few days with snow forecast at higher altitudes.
Switzerland
More spring conditions this week across the Swiss resorts with pleasantly mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies. There has also been snow falling throughout Switzerland over the last week and some resorts have also had a refreshing boost with more over the weekend. The lucky resorts that received snow over the weekend include Andermatt (80/250cm), Anzere (80/280cm), Crans Montana (65/330cm), Flims (60/255cm), Grimentz (80/150cm), Klosters (0/173cm), Saas Fee (92/237cm), Samnaun (80/135cm), St Moritz (40/110cm), Villars (20/170cm), Zermatt (51/219cm) and Zinal (60/140cm). The weather this week looks set to bring more snow to all of the Swiss resorts, so we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed!
Italy
As with most of Europe, the weather over the weekend has taken its toll on the snow conditions with many resorts experiencing a thaw. Conditions are typical for this time of year with spring snow throughout the resorts. The morning snow is hard and icy but quickly softens up with the mild temperatures. There has been some fresh snow over the weekend in Cortina (25/95cm), La Thuile (50/320cm), Macugnaga (60/80cm) and Pila (80/100cm) but mild temperatures mean it is wet and heavy. 60cm of fresh snow fell in Courmayeur (130/230cm) but again as rain or wet snow making conditions heavy and wet packed. Cervinia (140/200cm) still has some good skiing on offer on the glacier.
Andorra
Spring conditions dominate across the Andorran resorts with mild temperatures and some sunny spells. Good skiing on packed snow in the morning that softens through the day for some great soft spring snow on the afternoon. Arcalis (120/170cm) has the greatest snow depth with 170cm on the upper slopes. Pas de la Casa (125/145cm) also has good snow depth, with Arinsal (100/140), Pal (100/140cm) and Soldeu (80/110cm) not too far behind in terms of depth. There is still really good amounts of cover at the resorts providing some great skiing in pleasantly warmer conditions.
Norway/Sweden
More snow across Norway today. Geilo (70/70cm) has 10cm of fresh snow, Hemsedal (75/75cm) has 6cm, Voss (40/50cm) has 5cm, Lillehammer (50/80cm) has 2cm and Trysil (60/85cm) also has a light dusting to refresh the snow cover. Oppdal (55/80cm) is not so lucky to have fresh snow today, but they still have plenty of snow cover and look as though the snow will come from tomorrow. Sweden is fairly similar with 5cm of new snow fallen so far today at Åre (42/64cm) and Sälen (75/94cm).
Germany
Typical spring conditions across Germany with mild temperatures and sunny skies today. The snowpack has reduced a little since last week, but not enough to seriously reduce the skiing available. Spitzingsee (60/130cm) is looking like it might receive some rain today, which would affect the runs, especially low down. There is plenty of skiing still available throughout Germany though which is really nice with milder temperatures.
Bulgaria
Spring conditions remain at the Bulgarian resorts this week with well maintained snow cover. Bansko (120/155cm), Borovets (60/100cm) and Pamporovo (100/150cm) all have upper snow depths in excess of 1metre providing some fine on-piste conditions.
Scotland
All of the Scottish resorts are still open for skiing today, although the snow pack has been slightly reduced due to the mild spring weather. Cairngorm is open for skiing again and the cloud cover today might bring snow to the highest areas, although this does bring the chance of rain lower down. It is a similar story at The Nevis Range with rain possible today. Glencoe and The Lecht are cloudy today, but it does not look like it will rain just yet. Glenshee is a little more pleasant with sunny skies and packed snow cover softening as the day warms up.
USA
There is yet more late season powder on offer early this week in the USA with more fresh snow falling over the weekend in Utah and California. Alta (407/407cm), Aspen (160/165cm), Big Sky (167/262cm), Heavenly (370/430cm), Snowbasin (325/355cm), Snowbird (330/360cm), Solitude (355/385cm) and The Canyons (242/272cm) all had between 15cm and 30cm of fresh snow. Squaw Valley (337/822cm) continues to stand out from the crowd with 47cm of fresh snow and a huge upper mountain base of 822cm. Skiing looks to continue for a while in all of these resorts. Spring conditions are now dominating east coast resorts and the resorts of Beaver Creek (163/211cm), Crested Butte (167/167cm), Durango (90/130cm), Jackson Hole (235/250cm) and Steamboat (185/253cm) are also reporting spring snow on the mountain. The fantastic season in the States continues.
Canada
There continues to be variety of conditions on offer in Canada with some good late season skiing. Blue Mountain (50/70cm), Mont Saint Anne (80/130cm), Tremblant (40/60cm), Kicking Horse (150/180cm), Kimberley (130/160cm) and Panorama (76/127cm) are all now reporting spring conditions throughout whilst there is still some good piste skiing on groomed soft snow at Sun Peaks (85/185cm) and Red Mountain (300/330cm). Both Sunshine Village (170/201cm) and Whistler (210/316cm) have had snowfall over the weekend for some fresh powder skiing although milder temperatures may mean that the snow is heavy in places.
European Weather Outlook
After a sunny day in Austria today cloud is forecast to move in bringing with it rain at l |
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| #26 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 30/03/2006 @ 17:15 |
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| In reply to post #25
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Thursday 30 March 2006
Introduction
Some good fresh snow skiing is available at altitude in Austria. Fresh snow at altitude has brought some great late season skiing in France but mild temperatures mean that snow at lower altitudes has suffered in the rain. Spring conditions dominate across most of Italy but some localised high altitude fresh snow is on offer. Some fresh snow at altitude picks up spring skiing in Switzerland as well. More snow has fallen across Norway through the week and is continuing at Trysil today. Great skiing at Åre and Sälen in Sweden thanks to continuing snowfall this week. The spring conditions continue in earnest across Germany with heavy snow, especially in the afternoon. Bulgaria has the same situation with sunny skies and warm temperatures affecting the snow cover. Great spring skiing across the Andorran resorts with mild temperatures really softening the snow in the afternoon. The conditions across most of the Scottish resorts have improved with new snow too which is great news for this late in their season.
Yet more spring powder is on offer in the USA with over half a metre falling in some western resorts. Spring conditions are taking hold more and more in Canada and fresh snow in some resorts is making for some great late season conditions.
Austria
Some fresh snow at high altitude in Austria over the past couple of days has meant some fantastic skiing on the uppermost slopes. The mild temperatures of course meant that areas lower down suffered in the rain and are slushy and heavy. The high altitude resorts and Austrian glaciers can offer the best skiing with the lower temperatures keeping the new snow in fairly good condition. Obergurgl (60/185cm), Fügen (100/175cm) and Obertauern (180/240cm) are boasting some great conditions for this time of year. 29cm of fresh snow fell on the Kaprun glacier (77/326cm) in the past 48hrs. Spring like conditions can mostly be expected across Austria with wet and slush dominating apart from on the slopes at the highest altitudes.
France
Late season conditions have picked up in some areas with some good fresh snow this week whilst others have suffered with the mild temperatures bringing rain. Powder and great piste skiing can be found high up with the snow getting wetter and heavier and eventually slush the lower down you go. The resorts of the Portes du Soleil have not benefited from fresh snow as well as some of the other high alpine resorts and the snow is quite heavy. This recent snow has however brought fantastic conditions to the resorts of Val d’Isere (140/165cm), Tignes (155/255cm), Val Thorens (145/180cm), Argentiere/Chamonix (10/400cm), Alpe d’Huez (160/270cm), Les Arcs (155/265cm) and La Rosiere (155/340cm) each of which had a good amount of fresh snow with lower temperatures. In the Pyrenees skiing is mostly spring like with periods of sunshine.
Switzerland
As with other parts of Europe the spring conditions in Switzerland have picked up with some recent snowfall at higher altitudes. In most resorts the snow on the lower runs remains soft or slushy and wet but some resorts now have some great skiing on offer on the upper slopes. Saas Fee (86/291cm), Crans Montana (65/335cm) and Verbier (50/230cm) have all had between 20cm and 30cm of fresh snow. All have good bases and skiing looks set to last. Engelberg (20/300cm), Haute Nendaz (10/230cm) and Anzere (80/280cm) also have had fresh snow in the past 48hrs coupled with good deep bases.
Italy
Conditions in Italy continue to be mostly typical for spring with hard parked snow in the morning turning slushy as the day progresses. Cloud could bring some snow at altitude today with rain expected lower down. The best conditions in Italy can be found at Cervinia where the altitude and low temperatures have meant that recent precipitation has fallen as snow - 10cm of fresh powder fell yesterday. Bormio (25/150cm) and Madesimo (100/170cm) are two other resorts where 10cm of new snow has improved conditions a little. La Thuile is also skiing particularly well with a huge upper mountain base of 330cm and 30cm of recent fresh snow. The snow conditions are starting to deteriorate with the spring weather in some lower Italian resorts though.
Andorra
Today the temperatures have increased slightly meaning the snow cover at all of the Andorran resorts will be pretty heavy this afternoon. Skiing conditions this morning will be firmer but skiers will soon feel softer stuff under their feet as the day warms up. The snow cover is not suffering too badly with good depth still maintained. All of the resorts are reporting over a metre of snow on the upper slopes, and not too much less on the lower slopes.
Norway/Sweden
Snow has fallen in Norway this week at Geilo (70/70cm), Hemsedal (75/75cm), Lillehammer (50/80cm), Voss (40/50cm) and Trysil (70/90cm) boosting the skiing. Unfortunately Oppdal (50/80cm) has not had the snow we hoped for but they still have some great skiing for this time of year. Trysil is looking the most promising with 13cm of snow having fallen already today. The Swedish resorts of Åre (46/74cm) and Sälen (80/114cm) are looking really good thanks to continued snowfall all through the week. They have great fresh snow skiing with up to 10cm of new snow falling yesterday alone.
Germany
The spring conditions continue again throughout the German resorts thanks to the mild temperatures. There has been some snow this week though which is very encouraging for late season skiers and boarders. Berchtesgaden (35/205), Oberstdorf (20/200cm) and Reit im Winkl (70/210cm) all received snow on the 29th and Garmisch (0/310cm) received snow on the 28th. Despite the new snow at Berchtesgaden the areas of Götshen, Gutshof, Obersalzberg and Buchenhöhe are closed for skiing due to lack of snow, especially on the lower slopes.
Bulgaria
Spring conditions with warm temperatures are the general conditions across Bulgaria. The snow cover at Borovets (50/90cm) and Pamporovo (70/120cm) is reducing, especially on the lower slopes that are not looking as good as the upper areas with more debris coming through. There is still good amounts of skiing at all three resorts though, Bansko (120/155cm), Borovets and Pamporovo, with good snow cover remaining on the upper areas.
Scotland
Good skiing on the main Cairngorm runs thanks to packed snow cover being added to with a dusting of new snow yesterday. The runs down the Slot, Burnside and M1 are skiing well. Glencoe was closed yesterday but is open again today for skiing. There is fresh snow at Glenshee with around 3cm of new cover. Some runs are narrow and patchy although most have full cover. The Nevis Range has opened again after being closed due to blizzards yesterday. There is complete snow cover on Goose Gully, Warrens and the summit runs although lower runs are not so fortunate having some patchy snow cover. The Lecht has packed snow conditions topped with some fresh snow proving good skiing as all of the main runs have complete cover.
USA
It has been yet another massive week for snowfall in the resorts of Utah and California with a new storm hitting this time, leaving over half a metre of fresh snow in some resorts. This means some deep powder skiing off-piste and where the piste bashers haven’t groomed with some excellent groomed piste skiing where they have. The resorts of Mammoth (450/510cm), Park City (295/235cm) and Solitude (382/412cm) are reporting the most snow with 52cm, 57cm and 57cm respectively in the past 24hrs. Snowbird (365/395cm) and The Canyons (260/295cm) also had 40cm of fresh snow each. Other good news comes from Durango (130/160cm) where 27cm of new snow has picked up flagg |
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| #27 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 03/04/2006 @ 16:06 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 03/04/2006 @ 16:06) |
| In reply to post #26
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Monday 3 April 2006
Introduction
Typical late season conditions in Austria with lower runs deteriorating and the skiing best at altitude. There is some fresh weekend snow at altitude in the Tarentaise and the Three Valleys resorts in France providing a boost to the French skiing conditions. Skiing on Italy this week is mostly on spring snow with some areas getting fresh snowfall over the weekend at altitude. Spring conditions also dominate in Switzerland but some good weekend snowfall is on offer in Verbier and Haute Nendaz. Norway continues to give excellent on piste skiing following recent snowfalls. Sweden is in a similar situation where it has snowed pretty much every day for a week. The spring weather is affecting the snow cover across Germany, especially on the lower slopes. The conditions across Bulgaria are affected by the milder temperatures’ reducing the snow depth at all resorts. Great spring skiing across the Andorran resorts with mild temperatures really softening the snow in the afternoon. There are lovely spring conditions throughout Andorra but more snow is forecast for the latter part of the week to enhance the skiing. A dusting of snow has improved the skiing in Scotland with the best conditions to be found on the upper slopes.
There are varied conditions in the USA this week with some powder on offer thanks to weekend snow as well as some spring conditions. Spring conditions are starting to dominate across the Canadian resorts.
Austria
The conditions in Austria are typical for late season skiing this week with lower slopes slushy and gradually melting away and hard packed upper slopes quickly softening through the morning. There is some rain and snow expected today with freezing levels around 1500m meaning that the lower slopes are mostly wet as well. There may be some powder around at the top of resorts but it will get heavier through the day. The Austrian glaciers still have some good snow at altitude with some recent new snow in the resorts of Kaunertal (80/200cm), Hintertux (20/230cm) and Pitztal (80/250cm). The winter season skiing and boarding has now finished in Ellmau, Hopfgarten, Söll, Westendorf and St Wolfgang.
France
Conditions continue to be mostly spring like in France this week with pistes firm from the overnight freeze but softening up as the day goes on and getting slushy by the end of the day. Because of this conditions in some of the lower lying French resorts are starting to deteriorate. Good late season skiing is on offer at the resorts in the Tarentaise valley where new snow has fallen over the weekend. Val d’Isere (125/165cm) and Tignes (154/290cm) both had 10cm of fresh snow yesterday. The resorts of La Plagne (20/260cm) and Les Arcs (132/255cm) and higher areas of The Three Valleys have also benefited from new snow over the weekend. The best snow will still be on the upper slopes however with the mild day time temperatures affecting the condition of the snow.
Switzerland
The conditions in Switzerland are much the same as the rest of Europe with packed spring snow, firm in the morning and slushy in the afternoon. Some lower areas are deteriorating because of this and the best skiing is up high. 18cm of fresh snow at altitude in Verbier (45/260cm) and Haute Nendaz (5/260cm) means that there is some great snow on the upper slopes. The snow cover will get heavier lower down though. Skiing is also very good in Saas Fee (78/284cm) due to its altitude and some weekend snow. Zermatt (31/234cm) has a good amount of snow forecast this week which will make for some great late season skiing on the glacier. Les Mosses has now closed for the season.
Italy
The snow conditions in Italy this week continue to be typical for spring with slopes firm and packed in the mornings, softening quickly through the morning and becoming slushy by the end of the day. The repeated effect of this is that lower altitude areas are starting to deteriorate and become patchy. Having said this several resorts had some fresh snow over the weekend at altitude and have some great late season skiing. Cervinia (70/150cm) had a snowy weekend with its altitude and glacier an advantage. La Thuile (40/330cm) and the resorts of the Milky Way also hade some fresh snow on Saturday. Courmayeur (120/220cm) is also looking good for this time of year with its deep snow base.
Andorra
The snow cover in Andorra is continuing to hold despite mild temperatures. The conditions are typical for the time of year. In the mornings the snow is hard packed but as the temperatures rise throughout the day the pack is becoming softer. The lower slopes are suffering the most and in the late afternoon are being described as slushy.
Norway/Sweden
Snow fell over the weekend in the three Norwegian resorts of Hemsedal (70/70cm), Lillehammer (50/80cm) and Trysil (70/100cm). This has greatly improved the conditions with on-piste being described as excellent although the off-piste skiing is variable. There is some more good news as it is set to snow across Norway until Wednesday when the sun will start to shine.
It is a similarly upbeat report for Åre (46/73cm) and Sälen (80/124cm), in Sweden, with pretty much continued light snowfall all of last week added to with more snow over the weekend. This excellent spell of skiing weather does not look set to finish for a couple of days yet. It is a great time to be skiing in Norway or Sweden with the new snow providing great conditions.
Germany
The conditions are pretty similar to last week throughout Germany, apart from reduced snow depths at most resorts due to the spring weather. Garmisch (0/320cm) still has good amount of snow on the upper slopes but the lower slopes are to be avoided. The lower slopes at Berchtesgaden (35/190cm), Oberstdorf (20/200cm) and Spitzingsee (35/70cm) are all suffering now but there is still plenty of snow depth on the upper slopes. ‘Head up high for the best snow’ would be the general comment for the German resorts.
Bulgaria
The spring conditions in Bulgaria are affecting some of the snow cover, especially on the lower slopes of Borovets (40/80cm) and Pamporovo (40/90cm) where the snow cover is becoming thin and worn. Bansko (100/140cm) looks better with deeper snow cover throughout the resort. Despite the spring conditions affecting the lower slopes there is good skiing on the upper slopes at all resorts.
Scotland
At Cairngorm (80/130cm) there is good skiing and boarding on all main runs with some fresh snow. You can have a good run on the lower slopes down Burnside and M1 is in very good condition but narrow at the bottom and this is also true for Daylodge. M2 is in good conditions but the White Lady has some moguls and is soft in places so can be avoided if you’re not after bumps. Glencoe (10/80cm) will be open every day this week but some of the lower slopes are becoming patchy. Glenshee (30/55cm) has typical spring skiing on offer with the snow really softening in the afternoon. The Glas Maol and Caenlochan have complete cover while other runs are becoming thin and patchy. The Lecht (45/55cm) and Nevis Range (20/45cm) are both benefiting from fresh snow on the upper slopes.
USA
After a couple of weeks of amazing snow conditions in the USA spring conditions are starting to show particularly on the lower slopes. Several resorts did have new snow over the weekend so there are also some powder conditions on offer at altitude. Alta (432/432cm), Snowbird (355/385cm) and Solitude (387/417cm) all have had around 20cm each in the past 24 hours and the Vail resorts have had around the same over the weekend. Many other resorts have had around 10cm too. The conditions vary between soft and hard pac |
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| #28 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 06/04/2006 @ 15:42 |
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Thursday 6 April 2006
Introduction
There are some good skiing conditions on offer in Austria this week with lower temperatures and some new snow. More fresh snow has fallen over the northern French Alps as well. Similar conditions are available in Italy with fresh snow at altitude in several resorts and spring snow elsewhere. There has been new snowfall at most of the Swiss resorts over the last few days, with some brilliant snow depths at resorts like Verbier and Grimentz. Good news comes from Norway too with 20cm of fresh snow in Lillehammer. In Sweden there has been a dusting of snow in Salen this week and more snow is forecast. The spring conditions across the German resorts have been added to with some new snowfall this week. The spring conditions are really affecting the snow cover on the lower slopes at Borovets and Pamporovo in Bulgaria. The people of Arcalis in Andorra woke up this morning to 10cm of fresh snow which is a refreshing change to the recent mild spring conditions. More snow has fallen this week in Scotland but the winds have picked up today which is affecting the conditions at the Cairngorms and Glencoe.
Yet more snow has fallen across the USA. Mammoth has already had 188cm this week. Fresh snow boosts the spring skiing in the eastern Canadian resorts of Tremblant and Mont Sainte Anne.
Austria
There was a bit of a turnaround with the conditions in Austria overnight and this morning with the temperatures and freezing level dropping. Overnight precipitation fell mostly as snow and almost everywhere in Austria benefited. Some nice groomed piste skiing can be had today with even the chance of some powder skiing on offer. Lower slopes are likely to be hard with the overnight freeze with a light dusting of snow on top. Most resorts have had between five and ten centimetres of fresh snow with the exception of Axamer Lizum (0/150cm), Bad Kleinkirchheim (5/100cm) and Neustift (20/250cm) where 15cm fell. Obertauern (180/220cm) is reporting some great conditions for this time of year thanks to its high altitude and great snow depths. Many other resorts should also remain good with today’s lower temperatures. After early cloud and snow today the sun should break through for some great late season skiing. Niederau has now closed for the season but seven lifts are still running in the Wildschönau (30/100cm) area.
France
Some fresh snow over the past week has picked up late season conditions in the northern half of the French Alps and with the sun breaking through today there is finally a chance to enjoy it! It will still be mostly spring like lower down with some firm pistes in the morning softening up through the day but there is powder on offer at the resorts of the Tarentaise and the Three Valleys. Flaine (110/440cm), Argentiere/Chamonix (10/400cm) and Alpe d’Huez (136/280cm) all had between 15cm and 20cm of fresh snow since yesterday as well and have some fantastic skiing on offer. Resorts further south are still very much spring like with a dusting of snow here and there. In the Pyrenees the snow conditions at Cauterets (0/40cm) and Font Romeu (25/45cm) are deteriorating rapidly and it looks like the season is on its way out.
Switzerland
This week has seen a drastic change in fortune for some Swiss resorts with snow falling at almost all resorts today or yesterday. Verbier (50/285cm) has had around 20cm of new snow on both days and people are reporting up to a metre of new snow on the upper areas making the skiing pretty fantastic. Grimentz (80/170cm) has received an average of 40cm of new snow today with up to 70cm new snow depth in places. Adelboden (14/150cm), Arosa (40/90cm), Champery (60/150cm), Crans Montana (65/370cm), Flims/Laax (30/255cm), Lenzerheide (82/161cm), Leysin (35/155cm), Mürren (70/350cm), Saas Fee (81/299cm), Verbier (50/285cm), Villars (20/170cm), Wengen (10/120cm), Zermatt (32/244cm) and Zinal (70/150cm) are all fortunate enough to be reporting new snow already fallen today. The sunny skies predicted over the next couple of days will really be a treat with the new snowfall improving conditions.
Italy
The conditions in Italy are similar to the rest of Europe this week with some good fresh snow falling with the lower temperatures. Spring conditions are still prevalent on lower mountain areas with firm corn snow pistes softening up as the day progresses but the new snow means that some powder skiing and snowboarding is on offer higher up. The Montarosa Ski resorts have all had fresh snow in the past few days as have Cervinia (130/190cm), Cortina (10/95cm), Livignio (24/195cm) and Passo Tonale (70/140cm). 30cm of fresh snow has fallen in the past 48hrs in La Thuile (40/330cm) and Pila (90/110cm), so head here for some great skiing. Take care lower down as conditions will be heavy and more variable though.
Andorra
The snow packs in Andorra are beginning to fall due to the milder temperatures. There was some good news this morning at Arcalis (120/180cm) as they awoke to 10cm of fresh snow. At both Pas de la Casa (70/90cm) and Soldeu (70/90cm) there is a chance of some fresh snow as the cloud cover increases today. The outlook for the weekend is for spring conditions throughout the resorts with bright sunny skies overhead.
Norway/Sweden
There has been yet more good news in Norway this week with snow falling in all resorts apart from Hemsedal (75/75cm). Lillehammer (40/110cm) has had the most snow with 20cm falling on the 4th April giving powder conditions throughout the resort both on and off the piste. Trysil (70/100cm) has excellent on-piste conditions but tracked off-piste and these are typical for most of Norway.
In Sweden Sälen (80/125cm) has had a dusting of snow over the last few days, this has given a fresh topping to the hard packed trails. At Åre (46/74cm) there is also some good news as snow is forecast today and is set to fall over the weekend.
Germany
The mild spring temperatures are reducing the snow depth in Germany but this deterioration has been slowed down with some snow arriving this week. Garmisch (10/335cm), Lenggries (40/70cm) and Spitzingsee all received a light dusting of snow yesterday. Oberstdorf (5/200cm) and Reit im Winkl (50/160cm) are lucky enough have received snow today. This means that they all have some good skiing on the upper runs and some increased snow depth, although patchy in places on the lower slopes.
Bulgaria
The lower slopes at Borovets (10/70cm) and Pamporovo (10/70cm) are patchy now that the milder temperatures and intense sunshine have reduced the snow cover. The upper areas are still OK though and Bansko (90/140cm) has plenty of snow to satisfy with lifts in the forest areas open for skiers and boarders.
Scotland
At Cairngorm (80/130cm) it is currently too windy to open the Ciste and Ptarmigan tows and the M1 poma. The conditions are generally hard groomed snow on a firm base. On the M1 the skiing is soft in places and narrowing at the bottom. Glencoe (10/80cm) is temporarily closed today due to high winds but conditions on the pistes are improving due to the new snow. At Glenshee (30/55cm) the best skiing can be found on the Glas Maol Caenlochan, Corrie Fionn, Meall Odhar and Sunnyside with firm packed snow, softening later in the day. The Nevis Range (20/45cm) has complete pistes on the upper slopes with the middle and lower runs becoming thin towards the bottom.
USA
Many of the American resorts have benefited from bumper snowfalls this |
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| #29 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 10/04/2006 @ 19:09 |
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Monday 10 April 2006
Introduction
There is a chance for some late season powder over the next couple of days in Austria with heavy snow forecast at altitude. Snow is also forecast in France for the first half of this week with lower temperatures. There is some fresh snow at altitude on offer in the Italian resorts of Cervinia, La Thuile and Livignio. The next few days in Switzerland are likely to prove difficult for skiing with heavy rain and snow forecast. There has been yet more fresh snow in Norway and this is set to continue through the week. In Sweden conditions on-piste remain excellent and snow is forecast for later in the week. There is excellent news for German resorts with snow forecast for the next three days. The lower slopes in Bulgaria are suffering in the warm spring weather. Andorra is going to be bright and sunny this week, perfect weather to enjoy the spring conditions. Snow continues to fall in Scotland with Glencoe reporting waist deep powder in some areas.
A variety of powder, well groomed pistes and spring snow conditions are on offer in the USA this week. Some great spring skiing is still on offer in Canada but some lower slopes are starting to suffer.
Austria
The conditions in Austria continue to be typical for late season this week with mild temperatures and a high freezing level. Corn snow covers the slopes which start the day hard and icy from the overnight freeze and quickly soften up into slush. As a general rule the best skiing will be on the upper slopes. There is still good coverage in many resorts including Obertauern (180/220cm), Kühtai (150/150cm), St Anton (60/280cm), Lech (80/235cm), Zürs (80/235cm) and the Austrian glaciers. Several areas have also seen a dramatic decrease in snow depths and have now closed resort runs. There is some good news for next couple of days though with precipitation which will initially fall as rain but turn into snow with the falling temperatures.
France
It is a cloudy day across most of the French Alps offering little in the way of visibility and a mixture of snow, rain and sleet depending upon altitude and temperature. Low runs can be expected to be mostly wet and slushy with packed spring snow elsewhere. Some powder may be on offer at altitude but it will be heavy in places. Argentiere/Chamonix (10/400cm), Avoriaz (210/230cm), Flaine (96/422cm), La Plagne (20/235cm), Les Arcs (120/230cm), Risoul (100/150cm), Tignes (147/300cm), Val d’Isere (130/170cm) and Val Thorens (135/175cm) are all lucky enough to have had some fresh snow already that should be in good condition for skiing. It is also cloudy with rain and snow falling in the Pyrenees but it is unlikely to do much to rescue the deteriorating conditions in Cauterets (0/40cm) and Font Romeu (20/30cm).
Switzerland
This week hails the return of spring conditions across Switzerland after last week’s new snow. Skiing is therefore on a combination of hard packed spring snow and slush with some lower runs deteriorating due to the spring weather. In many areas it is raining today making conditions pretty unpleasant and wet. For the best skiing head to high altitude areas where the snow is at it’s best. Things are set to change drastically in the next few days though with cloud and heavy rain and snow forecast until Thursday. Crans Montana (45/340cm) has had 20cm of fresh snow already on the upper slopes.
Italy
Conditions across Italy continue to be mostly spring like this week with skiing on hard packed corn snow and slush. The weather today is mostly cloudy with rain in some areas and snow at altitude in others. This is having a detrimental effect on the conditions in many areas with lower slopes wet and starting to become worn with very little snow. In other higher areas it is snowing and Cervinia (130/200cm), La Thuile (40/350cm) and Livignio (10/193cm) have all had snow in the past 24hrs and have some great skiing at altitude. The snow will however get heavier lower down. Heavy precipitation is forecast for the next few days in Italy so there is a good chance of some late season powder being on offer at altitude as the week progresses.
Andorra
Spring conditions are dominant throughout Andorra this week. The lower slopes have become heavy while on the upper slopes conditions are soft. It is advisable to ski throughout the morning before the sun takes its toll on the pistes. At Pal-Arinsal (70/90cm) there is a chance of a dusting of new snow today but for the rest of the week it is going to be bright and sunny in Andorra.
Norway/Sweden
There has been yet more fresh snow in Norway over the weekend. Geilo (65/65cm) and Hemsedal (75/75cm) both woke to 15cm and 22cm of new snow yesterday morning. Lillehammer (40/110cm) also had good news with a dusting of 5cm this morning and there is a chance of some more snow later today. The conditions throughout Norway continue to be excellent with powder in all of the resorts apart from Oppdal (50/80cm) which has excellent piste skiing on offer. Sweden continues to provide excellent on-piste conditions as well at both Sälen (84/105cm) and Åre (46/82cm). More snow is forecast this week hopefully giving a fresh dusting to the well packed base.
Germany
There is good news for Germany today with many resorts expecting new snow later on. Feldberg (50/120cm) had 10cm overnight which has transformed conditions to powder throughout the area. At Garmisch (10/330cm) they are expecting snow later today and in Lenggries (40/70cm) the overcast skies have hinted that some snowfall is probable. Unfortunately the situation is not as promising at Spitzingsee (45/80cm) where it is raining at present making the slopes wet and heavy.
Bulgaria
The mild spring weather is takings its toll on the slopes of Bulgaria. The snow pack is decreasing rapidly at Borovets (10/60cm) and Pamporovo (5/60cm). The lower slopes at both of these are becoming patchy and the upper slopes are softening. Bankso (90/140cm) continues to provide ample snow depths with good skiing on the upper slopes.
Scotland 
The winter season in Scotland is still going with some excellent conditions to be found following snow over the weekend. The Cairngorms (90/135cm) has superb skiing available across the whole mountain with groomed fresh powder. Traverse and 105 are excellent with groomed powder snow while there are good runs on the lower slopes down Burnside, M2 and Day Lodge. Glencoe (50/120cm) are claiming that they have the best conditions in 15 years with lots of packed powder across the whole mountain. In many places there is 60cm of fresh powder and in others it is waist deep. At Glenshee (30/60cm) there is lots of fresh powder snow on the upper runs. Good skiing can be found on Glas Maol, Caenlochan, Corrie Fionn and Meall Odhar with groomed fresh snow on a hard packed base. Other runs are narrow and thin in places. The Nevis Range (30/60cm) has lots of off-piste on offer with all runs complete. Conditions at The Lecht (30/60cm) are fresh snow on a hard packed base.
USA
A variety of conditions are on offer this week in the USA. Fresh snow in the resorts of Timberline (450/500cm) and Big Sky (167/295cm) means that there is some powder skiing on offer. The snow that fell last week is still around for great on and off-piste skiing in several resorts such as Alta (435/435cm), Mammoth (540/600cm) and Heavenly (400/470cm). The Vail resorts are ba |
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| #30 Re: Twice weekly reports from SCGB. Posted 13/04/2006 @ 15:19 |
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Thursday 13 April 2006
Introduction
There is some great skiing lined up for the Easter weekend in Austria thanks to the new snow of the past few days. The winter weather of the first half of this week has also brought fresh snow to the slopes in France. There has been some new snow in Italy in the past couple of days too but conditions are mostly spring like again. Switzerland has some great late season skiing as well with the fresh snow this week. Snow has continued to fall in Norway refreshing the pistes. Excellent skiing can be found on-piste in Sweden. There has been 75cm of fresh snow in two days in Garmisch in Germany. In Bulgaria the best conditions can be found on the upper slopes. Spring conditions continue to dominate the slopes of Andorra. Scotland will have spring skiing on offer at all of the resorts this weekend.
30cm of new snow today at Squaw Valley means some excellent powder skiing conditions are on offer. A fresh fall of snow in many Canadian resorts has picked up late season skiing.
Austria
Winter conditions have returned to Austria with the fresh snow of the past few days. Powder can be found at altitude in many resorts and welcome refreshment of snow has been added to lower slopes making the prospects for the Easter weekend very good. The most snow has fallen in the Eastern Austrian Alps in resorts such as Ischgl (30/145cm), Galtür (45/125cm), Gargellen (80/185cm) and Brand (15/160cm). The Arlberg resorts Lech (120/270cm), St Anton (65/325cm) and Zürs (120/270cm) are looking amongst the best in Austria with great snow depths and around half a metre of snow falling in the past few days. Temperatures are slightly milder today across the whole country so the snow on lower slopes may be heavy. The conditions in Bad Kleinkirchheim (0/40cm) and Schladming (0/80cm) have been deteriorating for a while and the seasons here are drawing to a close.
France
It has been winter weather in spring over the past few days in the French Alps bringing with it fresh snow to ski on. The weather has eased off today too offering a chance to enjoy the recent snowfall in the sunshine. Most snow fell in the northern Alps in Avoriaz (230/270cm), Flaine (135/465cm), Argentiere/Chamonix (10/430cm), Les Arcs (120/245cm), La Plagne (20/255cm), Tignes (145/310cm), Val d’Isere (123/170cm), La Rosiere (160/360cm), Courchevel (132/240cm), Meribel (45/233cm) and Val Thorens (150/215cm) picking up the conditions both on and off-piste. The nature of spring conditions is that they can change quickly so enjoy the fresh snow while it lasts. Some lower slopes are already heavy and spring snow is on offer in lower resorts. In the Pyrenees the sun is shining, the temperatures are warm and the skiing is on slushy spring snow.
Switzerland
As with the rest of Europe the last few days in Switzerland have seen winter weather in spring with heavy snow and poor visibility. The weather eased yesterday leaving fresh snow in most resorts and some fantastic skiing in powder and on well groomed pistes. Several resorts have had some fresh snow since as well including Anzere (35/315cm), Arosa (60/110cm), Crans Montana (50/360cm), Davos (68/200cm), Klosters (25/200cm) and Samnaun (60/160cm). Some lower slopes will get heavier and more spring like with the day time temperatures but on the whole the conditions are excellent for this time of year. Grindelwald (5/50cm) has reopened for Easter weekend skiing. Mürren (90/365cm) and Saas (62/306cm) Fee are looking amongst the best in Switzerland for April skiing with great snow depths and 5cm of fresh snow in the past 24hrs.
Italy
Some fresh snow has fallen in Italy over the past few days but not quite as much as the rest of Europe. Conditions remain mostly spring like with today’s sunshine and mild temperatures softening the hard slopes of the morning through the day into slush by the afternoon. Fresh snow in the resorts of Bormio (0/250cm) and Santa Caterina (50/130cm) however has improved conditions hugely for late season skiing after the snow was looking pretty thin on the ground. Val Senales (50/300cm) and La Thuile (40/350cm) are also looking great for this time of year after the snowfall of the past couple of days.
Andorra
Spring conditions continue to dominate the slopes of Andorra. Soldeu (50/80cm) seems to be maintaining slightly better conditions than the other resorts following a dusting of snow on Monday. It is best to ski early as the slopes soften up quickly once the sun comes out. The glorious sunny weather is set to continue throughout the weekend apart from on Saturday where it is forecast to be cloudy and windy.
Norway/Sweden
In Norway there is lots of excellent skiing to be found following recent snowfalls. Many resorts have had fresh snow in the last two days which has improved both the on and off-piste snow packs. Voss (50/75cm) has all the lifts open and conditions on the lower slopes are fresh and on the upper excellent. The same is true for Hemsedal (75/75cm) but the lower slopes are also excellent. In Sweden the conditions are similar to Norway. In Sälen (84/105cm) there was a dusting of snow yesterday and this morning while at Åre (46/76cm) they are expecting snow later today. Excellent on-piste skiing can be found in both resorts while the off-piste is varied.
Germany
There has been a change in the conditions of some of the German resorts this week thanks to recent snowfalls. At Garmisch (20/400cm) they have had 75cm in the last two days giving powder conditions throughout the area. Oberstdorf (10/220cm) had a dusting of 15cm this morning which has refreshed the lower slopes and changed the upper slopes and off-piste to powder. Feldberg (50/120cm) has also benefited but unfortunately there are only 6 lifts out of 15 open. Hopefully conditions will continue to improve as snow is set to continue throughout today.
Bulgaria
The snow packs of Bulgaria have decreased even further this week with Bansko (70/120cm) still offering the best conditions. At Borovets (5/40cm) and Pamporovo (5/50cm) the lower slopes are suffering with patchy cover so it is best to head to the upper slopes. It does not look like the situation will improve as a bright and sunny weekend is forecast.
Scotland
The Scottish resorts will be open for the Easter week providing some great spring skiing. At Cairngorm (90/135cm) the upper slopes are in excellent condition following grooming of the soft snow while the lower runs are now suffering in the milder temperatures. Following the amazing snowfalls of last weekend Glencoe (50/120cm) is still offering excellent skiing, and the best of this can be found on Spring Run and the Rannoch Glades. This weekend it will be possible to test next winter’s new equipment from Rossignol. At Glenshee (30/60cm) it is best to stick to the upper slopes as the lower runs down Sunnyside are becoming thin and narrow in places. Unfortunately the lift operations at The Nevis Range (28/58cm) are being affected by wind today but once this has died down the upper slopes have complete snow cover while the lower runs are patchy in places. There are similar conditions at The Lecht (45/55cm) with the best conditions on the upper slopes and the snow softening throughout the day.
USA
In the USA there are still some amazing conditions to be found late in the season. At Squaw Valley (315/655cm) 30cm of fresh snow has fallen giving excellent conditions throughout the area. Unfortunately it is very windy today so it is necessary to wrap up w |
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