Spring has completely arrived now. We haven’t seen any real snowfall for a good couple of weeks. Most mornings are usually bright and clear with temperatures gradually increasing as the day progresses. A lot of the snow has started to melt and the occasional spell of rain is only helping to make conditions more Spring like. The park is also open nearly everyday now with a typically chilled vibe that is typical of the area as the season draws towards its final month.
The end of the world is nigh in St Anton...... or is it?
The last week has been a 'four seasons' in one week. We started out with thick whiteouts, low temperatures, storms and heavy snow, which led to waist deep off piste in sheltered areas. By Wednesday we had bluebird powder conditions and the sun shone all day so it was crisp in the morning and mild by the afternoon. Friday was hot hot hot; temperature in resort was in the high teens, people are walking around in shorts and the snow has been getting slushy and heavy - spring conditions. We had rain and clouds by Sunday. Top tip this week is to stay as high as possible as the freezing level is hovering around the 2000 - 2500m mark. I've attached some pics from this week as examples.
The quite time is drawing to an end, ahead lays a busy Easter. Spring snow has set in early this year and today’s rain really isn’t helping. Warm temperatures are forecast until mid week when the freeze level starts to go down again. As with most resorts in the Alps right now we need snow – along with cold temps so it’s not raining on half the mountain. On the plus side it’s spring snow already :) sugary turns and fresh tracks every day without snowfall. With the longer days it looks like the night sledging should be good, you just need to take some wax with you.
Spring is here and it’s a favourite time of mine for backcountry skiing. A few days ago we finished teaching an introductory course to backcountry skiing and ski touring which 4 participants, over 4 days, learnt the foundations of skills that will take them outside of the ski resorts and up into the peaks around them. The course took us to the top of the ‘Croisse Baulet’ in Combloux, and timed to perfection the descent was on lovely thawed soft spring snow before it had begun to melt.
After having spent most of the season, exploring the infamous tree’s of Serre Chevalier, I decided it was time to step a little further out of bounds. Fortunately, a work colleague of mine, and Serre Che resident, was more than happy to show me some of the better open face off-piste that the area has to offer.
With no real snow for the last two weeks, you would expect a proper ice rink around Val d’Isère. Although melting in resort is prolific, despair not, as the pistes are still in fantastic shape.
After last week throwing all four seasons at us the weather has returned to sunshine and the Terrain park on Mt Joux has been looking perfectly shaped for some fun in the air.
This Spring Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre is celebrating its 4th year as one of the UK’s top destinations for indoor skiing and snowboarding. They’ll be throwing a party over May bank holiday weekend, with all sorts of freebees, offers and special events.
Here is the latest snow report from J2Ski and as the weather seems to be finally warming up in the UK there have been snowfalls in Europe, Canada and even Scotland. There are a number of resorts still open across Europe, to make the most of the late snow, and things are gearing up over in New Zealand and Australia.
There is still snow falling in North American resorts and some French resorts are reporting fresh snowfall. Scotland is still open for skiing, this cold weather everybody is complaining about has some good side effects! Here is the full roundup from J2Ski for this weeks weather events.
The wonderful weather over in Canada has meant the the resort will be open this year until 27th May - and with some great spring weather this results in some fabulous conditions. There are good deals to be had so if you have always hankered after a trip to Canada this might just the right time to take the plunge. Read on for more information about conditions and activities for the extended season.
Traditionally the ski season ends after Easter but the weather has different ideas this year. The snow is still falling across the Alps and many operators are extending their season into May. Here are late ski deals, however it looks like they may not be the last!
The snow is still falling in parts of the Alps and the season is far from over in many places. Chalets Direct have some great deals for this season including:
If you are a fan of rock then this is an opening night you won't want to miss. The fabulous ski resort of Ischgl will have a wild rock night to kick off the season for 2013/14 with Nickelback. This current season will be closed by the legendary Deep Purple so dig out those old denims and head on out to Ischgl for the party of the season.
The snow may be on the way out and the season slowly sinking into Spring but there are still some great ski deals to be had. Go on, you know you want to....
The conditions in the Alps are still great for a spot of Spring skiing and with fresh powder now falling in Courchevel 1850 here are some fabulous deals from courchevelapartment.com.
The season is coming to an end with just a few weeks left but there is still snow on the hills so why not grab a bargain and head out for some super spring skiing? Here are some great discounts for spring skiing in France, you just need to sort out your travel and if you are flying why not check out our SkiFlightWizard for information on where you can fly to and fro.
This Spring Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre is celebrating its 4th year as one of the UK’s top destinations for indoor skiing and snowboarding. They’ll be throwing a party over May bank holiday weekend, with all sorts of freebees, offers and special events.
