Over the last week more than a meter of fresh snow has fallen on some slopes and more is on the way.
The ski season could start early in some locations as resorts across Europe have welcomed heavy snowfall.
After persistently warm weather in October, the Alps saw cold weather and heavy snowfall in the first weeks of November.
Over the last week more than a meter of fresh snow has fallen on some slopes and more is on the way.
According to holiday company Ski Solutions, next week promises a “winter wonderland” with forecasts of up to 50cm of snow in Alpine destinations including Crans Montana, La Plagne, Chamonix and Saint Anton.
“Over the last couple of weeks storms have been building up in the Alps, with snow accumulations of over 100cm quite widespread now on the higher slopes,” chief executive Ian McIlrath told Travel Weekly.
“This will ensure a solid foundation for next winter and, with much more snow expected, it is shaping up to be one of the best starts to the winter ski season that I can remember.”
According to McIIrath, the exceptional conditions have caused an increase in bookings.
Jet2.com has also launched a 10% discount on flights for some flights ski destinations including Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble and Salzburg during the winter.
When will the 2023 European ski season start?
With thick snow on the slopes and more to come ski resorts they brought forward the opening dates.
While no slopes are open yet in France, the big resorts of Tignes and Val Thorens have both announced they will open a week earlier than expected, on November 18th.
In Tignes there will be 1,300 meters of slopes available for skiing.
In Austria Kitzbühel opened two weeks early as did Sölden, with 60 kilometers of altitude difference waiting for skiers.
In Switzerland there are already nine areas open, including the big hits Davos, Zermatt and Verbierthe last of which opened three weeks early.
Italian ski resorts have recorded almost a meter of snow in the last week and Madonna di Campiglio has brought forward its opening date by a week, to November 18th.
European ski resorts affected by climate change
The heavy snowfall has been a much-needed blessing for Europe’s ski resorts, which are suffering in the midst of hot weather.
Some ski centers at lower altitudes have been forced to close due to lack of snow.
Recently, a resort overlooking Lake Como, Italy, became the focus of activists arguing for the need to direct public investment towards alternative mountain activities instead of saving low-lying slopes.
Image:Getty Images
