We skiers are almost obsessed with snowfall – predicting, comparing, complaining – especially when ski season begins and we’re trying to book our next trip to the slopes. But this situation is unpredictable at best, especially in Europe, and “much more nuanced than just the numbers.” “Snow depth data is a minefield,” warns weather enthusiast Fraser Wilkin of Snow-Wise, where figures are largely unedited and subject to great artistic license.
“Take Ischgl – very reliable [for snow] but snow depths are generally quite modest. “It doesn’t snow a lot, but it gets sticky,” he says. “People might look at Ischgl’s statistics and think snowfall looks poor, but most of the time you can bet your bottom dollar that conditions are among the best.”
But what if, in our search for snowy tranquility, we take into account the altitude and location of a ski resort, as well as snowfall, snow retention and quality, can we combine this with expert knowledge and protect our precious ski resort as much as possible? winter break?
Yep, that’s where seasoned weather watchers and skiers like Wilkin come into play. “Ask yourself: what type of skier are you?” gives advice. “If you like to push the slopes, then heading high up or to a ski area with heavy snow is the way to go… For powder, if you’re going to hedge your bets – risky in Europe – choose a resort high on the north side. Alps – Engelberg, Andermatt, St Anton.”
And don’t try to misjudge a property based on what you see on social media. The infamous 2022/23 season was full of headlines and videos of rain-washed slopes. Granted, the temperature rise over Christmas was less than ideal, but snowfall levels were generally normal.
To help you on your path to choosing a snow-guaranteed holiday destination this winter, here we analyze some of Europe’s top destinations and their 10-year weather trends. Once you’ve found a gem, use our directory of expert resort guides to plan the perfect vacation.
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France
With the best conditions in April, spring days in Val d’Isère on the Alpine side are filled with plenty of snow and sun. With two glaciers (Pisaillas and Grande Motte) to contend with, as well as the Val’s extensive sub-alpine terrain, few can compete with high-quality snow, good or bad.
While annual snowfall calculations show highs over 7 meters and lows over 50 cm, conditions show the least variability in Méribel, according to the data. However, early season (December/January) seems to be the best option for fresh snow, while above-average snow depths bode well for ski-in/ski-out villages. The Tougnette cable cabin or the Olympic chairlift are smart starting points for those looking for good snow on the slopes, or for skiing, head to the highest point, Mont Vallon.
High altitude, solid snowfall, good snow cover; When skiing in Val Thorens you usually know what you’re getting. Snowfall totals haven’t decreased over the years and most visitors prefer off-piste, of which there is plenty, so if that’s your thing you’ll be unbeatable.
As the rain-snow level increases every year, the temperature that affects the high-altitude La Plagne the most is; But above 2,000 metres, the effects of global warming are less sensitive, says Claude Schneider, a 35-year ski patroller who has seen this firsthand. “Although winter snowfall totals are not decreasing, temperature anomalies are becoming more frequent.”
Peak season snowfalls and snow depths put Avoriaz at the top of the Portes du Soleil rankings, with its snowiest week falling in early March. Sun and snow days come in equal measure during the busy winter months, but skiing up to 2,466 meters is Avoriaz at its best, with plenty of lower slopes catering to low-visibility days.
Austria
Here is a holiday destination that statistics do not do justice to; One of the best options in Europe for those looking for gunpowder. January is a real snowfest – cold and high rainfall – and season averages are well above the rest. South-facing slopes affect snow quality, but there’s always something to discover in one of Austria’s snowiest regions.
Thanks to its high altitude and north/northwest facing orientation, weekly snowfall in Obergurgl from December to April rarely falls below 30 cm; this leaves it exposed to bad weather and cold temperatures. Ideal for early and late season skiing.
Snowmaking is strong in Kitzbühel, which has relatively low altitude slopes and annual snowfall totals (compared to its Tyrolean counterparts) to cover irregular pistes at the beginning and end of the season. Kitzbuhel’s tree-lined running paths shine when the weather conditions are not good, increasing visibility and providing protection against the elements.
Switzerland
The all-time high in the 2012/13 season (more than 10 meters of snowfall) followed by the all-time winter low (3.3 metres) was a trend seen in Verbier in the late 70s (and again in the 90s). A decade with above-average snow. What to take from it? Weather varies at the high-altitude resort, but snow totals and base depths are generally well above average. Locals love Bruson’s north-facing, wooded terrain when the weather is bad.
According to the data, the best skiing in Zermatt is February, when the base is formed and its characteristic steep and rocky terrain has the best protection. But thanks to the highest cable car-serviced terrain in Europe and cool temperatures throughout the season, you can count on favorable conditions at any time.
The 2017/18 bumpy season in Wengen was followed by the worst snowfall ever, with a total snowfall of 1 m, with a total of 7 m and a snow depth of 170 cm on the higher slopes. But Wengen’s slopes remain strong thanks to the shadow (cold, shady, north-facing) cast on the region by the mighty Monch-Eiger-Jungfrau massif. Swings and roundabouts.
Cortina, part of Dolomiti Superski, is sort of defying winter trends. So, with some of the best snowmaking systems in the world (6,000 snow guns covering 96 percent of the ski area), it’s about as guaranteed as it gets when it comes to snow. Snowfall average is low but the climate is dry; Ideal for snowmaking and snow retention. Whatever happens on the macro scale, piste skiers will find it a haven from December through April.
Cervinia, Italy’s snowiest resort, scores highly for snow cover and quality, with the advantage of access to glaciers (all summer long). It also benefits from Zermatt’s location – the ski areas are connected – but its westward stance means sun, especially in the afternoon.
Canada
While most resorts experience their snowiest week in early February, figures show Whistler experiences its deepest week in early December, with an average of five snow days per week and around 80cm. But in late spring, skiing and mountain biking overlap, and the two mountains take turns hosting.
United States of America
Locked in the high-altitude desert of Wyoming, Jackson’s dry, lightweight powder is unrivaled, except perhaps in Japan. The snowiest week in February covers half of the snow total in coastal Whistler, which makes sense considering the water content. The resort is steep and nothing is off limits; Powder hunter is best suited to skiers.