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Fabulous spring skiing in Ischgl, Austria this week.

Spring gains ground, but it's not over yet with fresh snow reported in parts of the northern hemisphere.

The Snow Headlines - April 10th
- Big snowfalls in The Rockies, 50cm of fresh snowfall in Arizona and Colorado to start week.
- More than 500km of slopes still open in 3 Valleys, over 8,000 acres at Whistler.
- Eastern European ski areas post up to 30cm of weekend snowfall, but most have closed.
- Europe's most southerly ski area, Sierra Nevada, staying open to May 4th.
- Up to 10cm of snowfall reported in New Zealand with the 2025 season start 2 months away.


Snow forecasts worldwide.

Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.

World Overview
Springtime continues to gain ground across northern hemisphere ski slopes. Temperatures and the freezing point have been climbing, widely to around 3,000m or above in the warmest parts of the day. As a result, the snowline is getting ever higher and for some areas even overnight freeze-thaw can't be relied on some days.

About 80% of northern hemisphere ski areas are now closed, but for the world's 200 biggest, well-known resorts that percentage is much lower. A few big names did end their seasons at the weekend, but most will continue to this Sunday, or Easter and many through to the start of May, some beyond.

Those looking for winter weather this week would have found it in the Rockies and Pyrenees before the weekend and in Eastern Europe over the weekend. Since then it's been Western Canada and Northern Scandinavia that have been posting the most fresh snowfall.

In the wider world there was a good snowfall in New Zealand with 10cm reported on ski slopes raising anticipation for the 2025 season that's due to start there in June.

Europe
Austria
Almost all Austrian ski resorts have seen a week of sunny skies, with valley temperatures reaching +20C at 1,000m altitudes in the afternoons and only just reaching freezing on higher slopes at night. Similar conditions are forecast to continue into next week.

About 20% of the country's larger, higher ski areas remain open, but many will close this Sunday, although about 50 should make it to Easter Sunday.

The Arlberg region above St Anton and Lech as well as Ischgl, linked over the border to Switzerland's Samnaun and staying open into May, both say they have over 200km of slopes still open.

France
French ski areas have seen a very warm, sunny week too. There's certainly no sign of the big April snowfalls of the past few years on high slopes in the country, not yet at least.

Here too afternoon temperatures have been reaching the high teens in valleys and overnight lows on high slopes are only getting a degree or two below freezing.

Snow depths (unlike this time in recent years) are dropping but the country's giant ski areas still have the majority of their terrain open. The 3 valleys lead the way with 500km of runs open still. Tignes/​Val d'Isère still report 95% of their slopes open.

Italy
With Italy's ski slopes typically a little further south and a little lower altitude than those of France, it's no surprise that about 70% of the country's ski runs have now closed compared to 55% in France.

Closures last weekend included some big-name resorts like Alta Badia, Bormio and Val Gardena.

There was some snowfall in the Northwest of the region at the end of last week, with the Aosta Valley among areas seeing 10-20 cm accumulations, but since then it has been the same sunny warm weather here as elsewhere in central Europe and that's expected to continue into next week.

Cervinia-Zermatt and the Milky Way region incorporating Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere both still report over 200km of slopes open.

Switzerland
Switzerland also enjoyed lovely sunny weather this week and that's expected to continue into the weekend here too, although are signs of cooler temperatures and snow/sleet/rain early next week.

The warm temperatures have of course accelerated the spring melt, with valley highs climbing up towards +20C, however, overnight lows continue to dip below freezing above 2,000m altitudes giving good morning skiing conditions up high.

A few dozen Swiss centres remain open, most with 30-60% of their terrain still open. However, some, including Saas Fee, which is posted the country's deepest snow at 2.8m, Zermatt, Sanmaun and a few others are still at 80-95% open.

Scandinavia
Ski areas in the Arctic Circle in northern Scandinavia have again been posting some of the best snowfalls in Europe this week.

Northern Norway's Narvik reported 25cm of fresh snowfall to start the week, and is open every day into the first week of May.

Elsewhere in the region, there have been lighter snowfalls with temperatures moving a few degrees on either side of freezing from freeze-thaw conditions. It's generally much colder and has better snow quality than all but the highest slopes in the Alps.

Most of Scandinavia's larger centres remain 80-95% open until the Easter weekend or the start of May.

Pyrenees
About a dozen ski areas remain open in the Pyrenees and most of these plan to remain so through to the Easter weekend, in some cases staying open longer than expected into April thanks to the region seeing its best month of the 24-25 season in March.

That continued into the start of April, with more snowfall reported into last weekend after the Alps had returned to sunshine.

It has been warm and sunny in the Pyrenees too since Monday but there are signs of a change over the next few days with colder temperatures and snowfall on high slopes expected.

The Grandvalira region (Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and others) reports its slopes remain 75% open.

Scotland
Scotland's season appears more or less over with Cairngorm no longer maintaining their snow and warm mountain temperatures touching +20C in the Highlands this week melting much of the limited hill snow that remained. It is due to turn cooler and more unsettled but big changes would be needed for adequate natural snowfall to return or it being worth restarting all-weather snowmaking at this stage.

Eastern Europe
Only a few ski areas are still operating in Eastern Europe, but one of them, Bulgaria's Bansko did get some fresh snowfall at the weekend for its final week of the season.

Elsewhere another of the still-open few, Slovakia's Jasna, reported fresh snowfall on Sunday with the wider region receiving up to 25cm of snowfall on Monday.

North America
Canada

Western Canada has had a mixed week for weather with more cold, snowy days, but also some warm, spring weather.

Some of the country's leading resorts ended their seasons last Sunday (including Big White and Red Mountain) with many of the rest joining them next weekend.

The three Banff centres, Marmot Basin near Jasper and Whistler Blackcomb all plan to stay open into May. The slopes at the latter remain about 90% open with over 8,000 acres still skiable, the best conditions up high and in the morning though.

A dry end to the week in most areas but with rain, sleet and snowfall expected at the weekend.

USA
Many of America's big-name ski areas have begun ending their seasons, even with the snow still falling.

Taos, Keystone and Telluride were amongst those shutting down for 24-25 at the weekend, with many more set to follow this coming Sunday.

At the same time resorts including Arapahoe Basin and even the southerly Arizona Snowbowl, had posted half-a-metre of April snowfall over the previous 72 hours. Those were among the bigger accumulations of the past seven days with more springlike conditions dominating since.

Sunny conditions are expected to continue through the weekend in many areas with temperatures getting well above freezing at all levels, as high as +20C (68F) in the valleys.

Spring Skiing in Arosa, Switzerland: A Perfect Alpine Escape


Image courtesy of ABB, Arosa Tourism

We were lucky with some excellent spring skiing in Arosa, Switzerland, a week or so ago. With relatively high-altitude slopes, good snow, and stunning Alpine scenery easily accessible by plane and train, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Getting There: Scenic and comfortable Swiss Railways



We flew into Zurich, then took the train up to Arosa and stayed at The Altein Hotel.

Traveling by train in Switzerland is not just convenient and efficient but also excellent value, especially with a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers both trains and mountain transport.

The route to Arosa by rail generally needs 3 legs; direct from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (central), followed by an IR (InterRegio - a semi-fast service) to Chur, ending with the scenic Arosa Line. Each connection is easy to make (top tip: download the SBB - Swiss Rail - app before you go; it's brilliant!) and the platforms and departure boards are clear. The final leg is spectacular; a narrow-gauge railway that climbs through dramatic gorges into the high-Alpine valley of Arosa.



A large number of Swiss ski resorts can be accessed via this route, or similar, from Zurich and other international airports.

Day 1: Introduction to Arosa, and an excursion to Rothorn



For our first day skiing, we were ably guided across the main peaks of Arosa by Jan from ABC Ski School, Arosa whose "local knowledge" helped us quickly get a feel for the place.

There are three main lift-served peaks above Arosa; the Hörnli, the Weisshorn and the Bruggerhorn.

The Hörnli (2,511m) - accessed by the Hörnli-Express gondola - is the gateway to Lenzerheide via the Urdenbahn gondola. Lenzerheide is also accessible from here via an off-piste route as part of the "Ski Safari".

Snow conditions off-piste were thin lower down, so we took the Urdenbahn across to Lenzerheide and then, via some nice open runs and fast lifts, up the Rothorn (2,865m) for some spectacular, panoramic views.



The Weisshorn (2,653m) is Arosa's highest peak, served by a 3-stage cable car, and offers a choice of Red and Black runs. It's a popular launch point for paragliders. The views from here include the Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps!

The Bruggerhorn, like the Hörnli, has runs for all standards (beyond absolute beginners) including a "Black Diamond" run (not as scary as it sounds, so long as the snow is good).

Although official snow depths were not spectacular, all the runs were well covered and well-groomed with the snow in good spring condition (quite crunchy first thing, but very nice to ski from mid-morning on).

The slopes were virtually deserted for most of the day (it was March, so low-season). Jan told us that Arosa can be sunnier than surrounding valleys, and that there are days when skiers come across from Lenzerheide for the better weather... as we would see!

We clocked around 40km of skiing, and a little over 6,000 metres of vertical for the day, helped by the generally efficient lifts across the domain (mostly modern gondolas and chairs, although there are a few T-bars...).

Day 2: Free Skiing



We spent our second day on the Arosa side. Clouds had closed in over in Lenzerheide and, per Jan's observations, there were clearly many more skiers making the trip over from there to ski in Arosa.

We enjoyed the long descent from the Hörnli to the valley station; even with thin snow at the bottom it was an enjoyable run and would be fun to do with confident kids! We managed to ski the majority of runs in the bowl during the day, but they are generally long, wide and varied so fun to ski multiple times.

Although off-piste conditions did not encourage us on this trip, there is clearly a lot of fun and interesting freeride terrain easily accessed from the lifts (and even more if you're happy to climb a bit), so there'd be plenty of fun to be had on a powder day!

There are around 80km of pistes above Arosa, out of a total of 225km for the entire Arosa-Lenzerheide area.

Although there were more people around than the previous day, we frequently found ourselves alone on pistes. That was noticeable on several descents from the Bruggerhorn, we assume as it's the furthest peak in Arosa from the connection to Lenzerheide.

We had an excellent lunch at the Tschuggenhütte; great food and an unusually interesting range of options for an on-mountain restaurant.


Image courtesy of ABB, Arosa Tourism

If you visit Arosa, you must stop at the Carmenahütte for a shot of Munggapfupf! This is a hazelnut liquer served warm with whipped cream. The colloquial name roughly translates as "monk poop" apparently... that's what we were told anyway!



Staying at the Altein Hotel: Comfort & Superb Dining
We stayed at the Altein Hotel, historically a sanatorium with an interesting past, but now completely re-purposed as a superb and comfortable hotel.

Beyond excellent health and wellness facilities, a highlight was the food; superb multi-course dinners, blending Swiss specialties with international flavours, served in a spectacular top-floor restaurant. Jan (our guide from our first day) had described the pizzas as "the best in town" and we could understand why.

The buffet breakfasts offered everything you might want, and were the perfect start to each day.

About the Apres!

Although Arosa is certainly family-friendly, and looks to have nightlife on the quieter scale of ski resorts, we need to mention The KuhBar ("The Cow Bar")! Just above the town, at the foot of the slopes, this barn-sized venue has banging techno (Austria is not far away), dry ice and atmosphere... not to mention a giant cow's head that breathes and mooooooos occasionally. Drink prices seemed reasonable, and we imagine there's some epic partying here in busier periods.

Final Thoughts
Great skiing, decent snow on piste, and breath-taking Alpine scenery. The Altein, with friendly staff and outstanding food, was a great place to stay.

With easy Swiss train access, a good range of skiing across Arosa-Lenzerheide, and being a little "off the radar", we really liked Arosa - and we'll be back.

TRAVEL FACTS
We flew with Swiss out of Heathrow (Terminal 2) to Zurich. Swiss.com

Flights to Zurich are available from several airlines, including easyJet from London Gatwick, and from various airports worldwide.

Swiss train information, and numerous worthwhile "Saver" tickets and travel passes, can be found on the SBB website at SBB.ch.

The Altein Hotel is part of the Faern Group, and you can find out more at Faern Collection - Altein, Arosa.

You can book rooms via J2Ski at Altein, Arosa or as part of a ski package holiday from UK at Altein, Arosa, package deals

Fresh snow and blue skies in St. Johann in Salzburg, Austria

Late season snow in Scandinavia, eastern Austria and North America this week, whilst spring sets in across the northern hemisphere.

The Snow Headlines - April 3rd
- Arctic Circle ski areas in Norway and Sweden post some of week's biggest snowfalls.
- Bulgaria's Borovets centre closes early at short notice.
- Over a metre of snowfall, again, in California.
- Austria sees some of its best snowfalls in a month, up to 70cm reported.
- Stormy weather in Eastern North America brings snowfall but gales cut power.
- Scotland's season appears about over.


Snow forecasts worldwide.

Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.

World Overview
There was a bit of a return to winter in the eastern Alps to start the week, with ski areas in Austria especially seeing up to 70cm of snowfall on their higher slopes... but with spring getting a grip elsewhere.

Lighter snowfall was reported over a wider area but springtime continues to take hold nonetheless and even with snow falling up high, most valleys are seeing snowlines rising ever higher.

At least a third of the lower-lying, smaller ski centres have already ended their season and the next two weekends will see most of the rest follow suit. However, the majority of the bigger, higher, better-known destination resorts continue to have 70-100% of their terrain open and intend to remain open at least through to the late Easter weekend.

The snow is still lying up to three metres deep in parts of Europe.

It's a similar changing of the seasons in North America with winter making a re-appearance in the Rockies, California and New England at the weekend and start of this week, with some good snowfalls. At this time of year the cold spells are increasingly short-lived and largely concentrated at altitude. California has had huge snowfalls over the past few days which closed some centres down.

Europe
Austria
Higher Austrian ski slopes have seen some of the biggest snowfalls in Europe over the past week, reversing a trend that saw the country's slopes under-perform for snowfall as Western European centres in France, Italy and Switzerland got much more.

Up to 70cm was reported, mostly above 2,000m altitudes, over the past week, the majority arriving between Sunday and Tuesday. Temperatures remain warm in valleys though so lower mountain areas have mostly had sleet and rain instead, but St Anton did note snow to village level on Monday.

More than half of Austrian ski areas have already closed (mostly the smaller, lower ones that have had rain), whilst some higher areas will stay open to Easter or even into May.

The Arlberg above Lech and St Anton and the Ziller Valley were among the areas posting powder conditions to start the week with glaciers including the Stubai and Pitztal reporting 50-70cm accumulations.

After the late snowfall excitement, the week ahead is expected to be dry and sunny.

France
Sunshine and snow showers on high slopes have been characteristic of the weather in the French mountains this week, with temperatures varying between -15C overnight up at 3,000m to +10C in the afternoons down at 1,000m. The freezing point has moved between around 1200 and 2200m altitudes.

As elsewhere, smaller, lower French ski areas have been ending their seasons, but most of the big, large ski areas will remain open at least until Easter and most continue to post between 80-100% of their slopes still open.

Les 3 Vallées still has over 500km of slopes open, Flaine and the Grand Massif the deepest snow depth at 2.8m up high. A warm, sunny week ahead now.

Italy
Italy has also had a week of sunshine and (rain/sleet/snow) showers.

The snow showers have mostly been fairly light and above 1500m but gave a good refresh to cover where they fell.

About a third of Italian centres have closed so far but as elsewhere in the Alps most of the country's big ski areas remain open with most of their slopes still skiable. Some will be closing this coming weekend though, including Val Gardena, whilst others like Cervinia and Cortina plan to keep at least some terrain open into May.

Sella Nevea over on the country's Eastern border with Slovenia is posting the joint deepest base in Europe at 3m/10 feet up high.

It looks like sunny weather for the week ahead with afternoon highs set to touch +20C at 1000m altitudes.

Switzerland
Eastern Swiss ski areas had a snowy start to the week with Engelberg among the resorts reporting 10-30cm accumulations on higher slopes by Monday afternoon. It was drier further west and south in a reverse of snowfall trends for much of March.

About half of Swiss areas have already ended their 24-25 seasons, but the higher, larger, better-known areas are mostly staying open at least to the Easter weekend and most report 75-100% of their slopes still open.

The rest of this week looks fairly settled with prolonged sunny spells, mild temperatures and a few light showers of snow (generally up high) sleet or rain.

Scandinavia
Northern Scandinavian ski areas like Norway's Narvik and Bjorkliden in Sweden's Arctic circle have posted some of the bigger snowfalls of the past week, as you might expect as temperatures rise across Europe pushing winter ever further north.

Accumulations of up to 30cm in 72 hours were reported over the weekend.

Unlike much of Europe, most Scandi areas plan to stay open to late April or early May but the area is not immune to spring's advance with centres further south in Norway and Sweden reporting periods of sleet and freezing rain as well as light snow showers over the last week with daytime highs getting above +5C.

The week ahead looks set to be sunny for most of the region but with snowfall continuing up in the Arctic Circle.

Pyrenees and Spain
Ski areas in the Pyrenees and the wider region have continued to post some of the best snow conditions in Europe. There have been more snowfalls reported, with the largest area in the region, Andorra's Grandvalira posting another 25cm in 72 hours through the weekend.

The first few days of April have seen temperatures climbing though, the freezing point getting above 3,000m and valley highs above +15C in the afternoons.

The week ahead looks set to be changeable and a little cooler than the Alps with rain and snow showers continuing into next week.

Sierra Nevada, the Europe's most southerly resort, continues to post the deepest snow at 3 metres.

Scotland
Scotland's so far failed-to-really-launch 24-25 season appears about over, barring a surprise very heavy April snowfall. It's unclear if anywhere will be open for the Easter holidays and with 10 more days of dry, sunny weather forecast, it's currently not looking promising.

Eastern Europe
Spring conditions are dominating in Eastern Europe too with the warm temperatures leading to Bulgaria's Borovets abruptly announcing last Friday afternoon that it would close on Monday 31st March, not this coming Sunday as planned. It blamed "an abrupt change in snow conditions" which might have been expected as daytime highs neared +20C.

Most centres in Eastern Europe have now closed but a dozen or so of the larger, higher centres are still going, albeit with plans to close this weekend or next in most cases.

The forecast is for predominantly warm, sunny weather which should deliver some nice final days, as well as continuing fast thawing.

North America
Canada
Things are finally turning more springlike in Western Canada.

Snow has kept falling but lighter than in previous weeks and we've seen daytime highs getting towards double figures above freezing.

On the East Coast, there's been more sunny weather but when the precipitation has arrived it's been freezing rain or sleet at times, as well as snowfall. The end-of-season feeling is translating into the actual end-of-season that's starting to arrive now.

Big White and Sun Peaks in BC are due to close this weekend as well as Blue Mountain and Le Massif in the east. Many others will close over the following two weekends although some areas will stay open into May.

USA
The US has seen some big snowfalls on the West Coast and the Rockies over the past week and stormy conditions also brought some snowfall, although unfortunately with damaging ice, gales and rain in the mix) to the East Coast too. A lot of this happened at the weekend and start of the week with calmer weather since.

Colorado's ski areas saw 6-12inches (15 to 30 cm) of snowfall on higher slopes with Winter Park one of those doing especially well.

Ski areas in Utah did even better though, The Palisades posting nearly 1.2 metres this week.

Here too the arrival of April means most US ski areas will be ending their seasons over the next few weekends although some will continue to Easter weekend and a few dozen into May.

It looks like a drier, sunny few days for most US ski areas this weekend compared to last.

Go high for the final weeks of the northern hemisphere season; spring conditions, but snow is forecast for parts of North America, and higher mountains in Italy and the eastern Alps.

Fresh snow at Saalbach, Austria, setting up a great start to April skiing.

Where to Ski in April 2025
We're into what is, for most of the northern hemisphere's thousands of ski areas, the last month of the ski season.

Many smaller, lower-altitude areas closed over the final weekends of March, but most of the bigger well-known resorts plan to keep going at least until mid-April - and many to the late Easter weekend (19-21 April). A few hundred will make it through to the end of the month, with some remaining open into May.

It has not really been an epic snowfall winter for much of the skiing world so bases across Europe and much of the US are modest by historical average.

However, most of the big centres have enough to see them through to the ends of their seasons and who knows, this April might mirror the past few and be one of the snowiest months of the season.

There has, however, been a whole lot of snow in Western North America and Japan where spring conditions prevail with the snow lying 3-7 metres deep as we enter April.

Europe
Austria
Austria has some of the lowest-lying major ski areas in the Alps but also some of the highest glacier destinations on the continent - and the differences between these become ever more apparent in April.

Most Austrian ski areas close in the first half of the month, the majority not making it to this year's late easter weekend. In fact, some, including the giant Ski Welt home to Soll, Ellmau, Westendorf and others, already ended their season on the last weekend of March.

Ironically the Ski Welt saw one of its biggest snowfalls of the season – 60cm (two feet), the day after closing – March 31st.

Austria is also home to some famous high-altitude destinations like Ischgl and Obertauern and seven glacier resorts, most of which stay open to May, June or beyond.

Notwithstanding that big dump at the end of March, it has to be said this year has not been a bumper one for snowfalls at low or high altitudes but all remaining resorts have enough snow to see them through to the end of their seasons even in the unlikely event that no more falls in April.

France
French resorts have been posting the deepest snow depths in Europe right through this season although snow depth stats stalled a few months ago and didn't really grow in February and March as they would normally.

The past few seasons have seen France get good snowfall in April and even May, so that may happen again, although there's no guarantee.

Some of the smaller, lower centres have already closed or will do so on the first or second weekends of April, but the big areas keen to have a late season boost with Easter holiday visitors are laying on fun events and keeping the slopes open at least to Easter weekend - and for many of the big names to the end of the month or (Les 2 Alpes, Tignes, Val d'Isere, Val Thorens), into May.

Italy
Italy enjoyed a positive end to March with good snowfalls right across the country's higher ski slopes.

But March also saw temperatures in valleys reach +15C at 1,000m altitudes in the afternoons, so as elsewhere in the Alps much of the remaining terrain open below 2,000m appears as white ribbons on a springtime green background.

Again as elsewhere in the Alps, lower, smaller centres have already ended their seasons or will do so after the first weekend of the month, but the main centres will remain open to mid-month or the Easter weekend. A few, including Cortina d'Ampezzo, Cervinia and Passo Tonale aim to keep going into May.

Switzerland
A similar picture in Switzerland to the rest of the Alps - a below average snowpack but no signs of anywhere having so little they'll be forced to close early and indeed most of the international destination resorts continue to post 80-95% of their terrain open as we start April.

Smaller, lower Swiss ski areas are nearing their natural season end, most on the first or second weekend of April.

A number plan to continue through to Easter or the end of the month and some into May including Zermatt, Engelberg, Samnaun and Gstaad's Glacier 3000.

Scandinavia
Scandinavian centres often get the best reports for snow quality from European skiers each April.

It's no surprise really, as the northerly latitude usually means lower temperatures and there are also long daylight hours.

This winter, as with the rest of Europe, has not been a great one for snowfall in Scandinavia with, again, bases below average.

Here though most areas will be aiming to make it through to May 1st or later.

Although some centres like Norway's Hemsedal have not managed to open all their terrain all season, nor even reach a 50cm base, the biggest ski area, Sweden's Are, starts the month 98% open.

Scotland
Blink and you'd have missed Scotland's 24-25 ski season in terms of ski terrain open with natural snowfall.

Only Glencoe managed to get up to about a third open earlier in the season.

At the start of April, everything is closed, pretty much, other than a small area for beginners maintained with an all-weather snowmaking machine at the base of Cairngorm's ski area.

Glencoe is still officially open and hoping for some late natural snowfall. Glenshee is closed but says it will re-open if there's a big spring snowfall in April.

The Lecht has closed for the season and Nevis Range hasn't managed to open at all, though again it has said it will if adequate snow ever arrives.

Pyrenees
The Pyrenees have not had their best season, although in March things finally picked up and it kept snowing through much of the month, with Andorra's giant Grandvalira passing 200km (95%) of its runs open at last.

So although most centres will probably end their season by mid-April and most by Easter, it's looking like one of the best ends to the season in a while, and certainly, April should provide some of the best skiing this season.

Eastern Europe
Most ski areas in Eastern Europe will be closing either on the first or second weekend of the month. That's if they're not amongst the more than two-thirds of centres in the region, mostly smaller, lower altitude centres, that already closed in March.

There hasn't been much to get excited about over recent weeks in terms of snowfall. Temperatures have been getting as high as +20C in lower valleys, the freezing point well above mountain tops, and the showers there have been often rain or sleet rather than snow.

North America
Canada
Western Canada often comes into its own in mid to late spring and with a cold and snowy March, 2025 is looking like one of those years.

The country's ski areas tend to keep the snow in good condition longer thanks to the northerly latitude usually meaning lower temperatures.

Despite this most Canadian ski areas will end their 24-25 seasons by mid-month. Some, including Banff's three ski areas, Jasper's Marmot Basin and Whistler Blackcomb will carry on through the month and into May.

USA
The western US has had a pretty good snowfall season to date with resorts in the Rockies and on the country's West Coast posting at least a metre of March snowfall, some double that.

It's a less promising picture on the east coast where spells of warm, wet weather have marred conditions there at times.

Most US resorts tend to close in the first half of April, not because the snow isn't still lying metres deep, but because it doesn't make economic sense to keep going.

Jackson Hole, which has posted some of the country's biggest snowfalls is one of those that shuts in early April regardless.

Dozens do continue through to the end of the month and beyond, including Mammoth Mountain, which was posting North America's deepest snowpack, exceeding 5 metres at times, in late March.

Asia
Japan has had an epic season for snowfall with the deepest reported snow depth in the world all winter – 7.9 metres – posted by a ski resort there in the final week of March.

Most resorts have at least a 3-metre (10 feet) snow depth as we start April and many a 4 or 5-metre plus base.

The larger ski areas aim to stay open until the country's 'Golden Week' in early May - so will be open all of April.

Cauterets, French Pyrenees, with great snow this week...

Pyrenees the place to be in Europe, with northwest North America getting the best snow (and quite a bit of it) on that continent.

The Snow Headlines - March 27th
- Snow keeps falling in the Pyrenees giving best conditions as ski areas start to end seasons.
- Europe's most southerly resort (Sierra Nevada, Spain) posting continent's deepest snow.
- Almost no skiing is available in Scotland.
- Most ski areas in the Western Alps post 5-15cm of fresh, but Serre Chevalier reports 61cm.


Snow forecasts worldwide.

Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.

World Overview
It's very much spring conditions across much of mainland Europe at present with wet snow on lower runs, the snowline climbing higher, and precipitation falling as rain on lower mountains too, but still some decent conditions to be found up high and even fresh powder in the Western Alps if you time it right.

It's the southwest of the continent that's again seen the most wintery weather with ski areas in the Pyrenees reporting their best conditions of the season just as it nears its end.

Europe's most southerly resort, Spain's Sierra Nevada, is remarkably now posting the continent's deepest snowpack.

The continent's big ski areas will be open through the Easter Holiday period (excepting those with low-lying terrain).

Across in North America it's a similar story. Here it's the northwest corner, rather than the southwest, that's been seeing lots more snowfall, the East Coast suffering from warm, sometimes wet conditions at times as spring continues to take hold (although there's been quite a lot of snowfall there in the past 48 hours!).

Europe
Austria
More than half of Austrian ski areas have already closed for the 24-25 season, although those are largely smaller, lower centres.

The big destination resorts are mostly hoping to make it through to at least mid-April and a few to the Easter weekend and beyond.

There's been some snowfall reported this week but it's mostly been light 5-10cm totals and generally well above 2,000m (with rain on lower slopes).

Solden described its resort-level snow as 'wet' and its glacier snow, the deepest in the country at 225cm, as powder!

The week ahead looks much the same with some parts expecting heavier snowfall at the weekend.

France

Unsettled conditions in the French Alps for much of the last week, although the past few days have seen a return to more consistent snowfall. However, the snow showers have added up to some quite significant accumulations over the past seven days.

In the Southern Alps, Serre Chevalier reported several feet (58cm) from Friday to Monday. It's one of the areas reporting more than 90% of its slopes open, along with Tignes, Val d'Isere and Paradiski (La Plagne and Les Arcs) among others, but some big areas have dropped to 70-80% open as the season winds down.

The sunshine of recent days is expected to continue until the weekend when a fresh front is likely to bring more snowfall at the weekend.

Italy

One of the better weeks for snowfall this season in Italy with ski areas across the country reporting a snowy weekend, heaviest for most on Sunday-Monday but with snow showers (sometimes falling as rain and sleet on lower slopes) continuing through the week since, interspersed with sunny spells.

Accumulations of up to 50cm over the past seven days have been reported with Cervinia one of the big winners posting 25cm in 24 hours at the weekend.

Sestriere wasn't far behind with 22cm but there were accumulations of similar amounts in the Dolomites too. It's looking drier, sunnier and even warmer for the week ahead.

Switzerland

Swiss ski areas have had similar conditions to the rest of the Alps, with mostly dry conditions, but with some weak fronts moving through bringing small snowfall accumulation to high slopes, especially in the west of the country, rain and sleet at lower elevations.

Verbier noted that it has had over 30cm of snowfall up high over the past week, but 0cm at resort level.

As elsewhere, smaller, lower Swiss centres have started ending their seasons, the better-known bigger, higher centres continue to have most slopes open and will mostly continue through to the Easter weekend, some going on into May.

J2Ski were enjoying the piste skiing (think Spring bases with a thin layer of fresher snow on top - enough for some fun) in Arosa this week, and we'll have a full report on the resort shortly.

Scandinavia

Some good snowfall in Norway over the past few days bringing powder conditions to ski areas including Hemsedal.

Overall it's been mostly dry across the region, with temperatures remaining fairly cool, keeping the snow in good shape.

Most resorts in the region are at 75-100% open with the largest single-area, Sweden's Are, at 98% so the most in Scandinavia.

Myrkdalen near Voss, famous for its freeriding, has the deepest base in the area, the only one over 2m.

Pyrenees

It's been another great week in the Pyrenees with reports of up to 40cm more snowfall.

One centre on the French side of the mountains remarked that conditions were the best they'd been all season, but said that almost no one was there to enjoy it – making it especially brilliant for those that were.

Smaller, lower centres in the region have already started closing for the season.

The region's largest resort Andorra's Grandvalira (Soldeu, Pass del Casa etc) is now posting both the most terrain open (95%/205km) and the deepest snowpack (2 metres) up top in the Pyrenees.

Scotland

No great improvement to the situation in Scotland with plenty more mild late March weather.

Up to last weekend, Cairngorm had runs open in the Ptarmigan Bowl at the top of the funicular but that closed when wet and windy weather at the weekend ended the calmer period last week, breaking up the cover.

Eastern Europe

It's the final week or two of the season coming up for most ski areas in Eastern Europe and there's a definite end-of-the-season feel on slopes there.

The amount of terrain open at resorts is starting to drop although major centres like Bansko and Jasna are stressing the season is still going and Jasna even announced extra terrain open for last weekend.

Conditions have been quite unsettled over recent days with sunny spells and rain/sleet/snow showers.

Temperatures have been down a few degrees compared to recent weeks but have still been up to +10C or higher at lower elevations in the afternoons.

North America
Canada

There's been a bit of an East/West divide in Canada. The West is still seeing low temperatures and more big snowfalls, while the East was impacted by warmer weather and spells of rainfall rather than snow last weekend (although it's got cooler again since).

Whistler Blackcomb has posted one of the world's biggest snowfalls this week, some 80cm, and all across Alberta and British Columbia ski areas have been reporting very wintery weather. There's more in the forecast through the weekend and into next week.

Eastern Canada has been mostly dry since the weekend with plenty of sunshine and temperatures back down to low single figures. There's some snowfall expected this weekend but otherwise, it will remain predominantly dry.

USA

The Pacific Northwest corner of the US has again posted the most snowfall in the world over the past week with several ski areas in Oregon and Washington states reporting over a metre of new snow.

That's put the avalanche and tree well danger levels up high and Mount Baker ski area actually closed for a few days this week when the danger was at its max.

Between the snow showers and further east there have been some springlike temperatures (evidenced by the warm weather at the Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals in Sun Valley) but overall conditions are excellent, most runs open and the snow is deep almost everywhere in the western US.

In the Rockies Copper Mountain and Winter Park both went through the 300" seasonal snowfall total mark this week.

Over on the East Coast, it was a largely dry and warm week until Tuesday when temperatures dropped and snow started falling with up to 12" reported now in the northern half of the region.

There's more snow, sleet and rain forecast there for the weekend.

Val Gardena, Italian Dolomites, in some spring sunshine...

Snow last weekend in Europe - Alps and Pyrenees, with lots of sunshine since. Lots of fresh in western North America.

The Snow Headlines - March 20th
- Up to 60cm (2 feet) of snowfall in the Alps over the weekend.
- Largest ski area in Pyrenees opens more than 200km of slopes for first time in 24/25.
- Some big-name Austrian ski areas end their 24-25 seasons at the end of next week.
- More big snowfalls in Western North America.
- Second of Scotland's 5 ski centres ends season, another looks like it won't open this season.
- One of the biggest snowfalls in the Dolomites this winter - up to 50cm - over last weekend.



Snow forecasts worldwide.

Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.

World Overview
As we reach the start of astronomical springtime, the final week of winter brought some of the biggest snowfalls of the season to both Europe and North America. The Alps posted several feet of snowfall over last weekend, while some ski areas in California have had over five feet of snowfall over the last seven days. The snow has also kept falling in the Pyrenees, and there's been some fresh snow in Scandinavia as well.

So, there have been great powder conditions in many of the world's ski regions, although there's no escaping that springtime is starting to grip lower slopes. With afternoon highs of +15C recorded, low-lying ski areas in countries like Austria have begun closing down. The vast majority of destination resorts are aiming to stay open well into April, though, with some continuing into May and beyond.

Europe
Austria
There's a bit of an end-of-the-season vibe at some low-lying ski areas in Austria. After some snowfall last weekend (rain and sleet on lower slopes at times), it's been a mostly sunny week with some lower valleys seeing +15C in the afternoons and even +6C at 2,000m at the top of their slopes.

Next week is actually the last of the season for quite a lot of low-lying Austrian resorts including Brixen, Ellmau, Soll and Westendorf in the Skiwelt.

At higher elevations, last weekend's snow totals of up to 40cm brought powder conditions to start the week on the country's glaciers and overnight lows are still dropping below freezing down to the valley floor.

France
France has had a largely dry seven days since being the first part of the Alps to get snowfall in the middle of last week, with higher slopes ending up with 50cm+ of new snow.

That said, it did keep snowing here through the weekend, albeit lightly, giving powder snow conditions to start the week in many areas, particularly at altitude. There were some low clouds and poor visibility as the weather began to clear on Sunday before sunshine came to the fore on Monday across much of the country.

Temperatures have been climbing again in the daytime with valleys below 1000m seeing +15C in the afternoons, but it's stayed closer to freezing up at 1800m, so normal spring skiing realities of better conditions for longer up high are in play.

The giant French ski regions are fully open with most aiming to remain so for at least another month up to Easter, some (3 Valleys, Tignes/Val d'Isere, Chamonix Valley) into May.

Italy
A snowy weekend for Italy as well with several resorts including Madesimo, Madonna di Campiglio and Cervinia posting around 50cm snowfall totals.

The Dolomites, which have experienced a predominantly dry ski season so far, were particularly excited by the snowfall. Val Gardena recorded one of the largest amounts, and many resorts in the area reported base depths surpassing a metre for the first time this winter. Meanwhile, the western Alps also received substantial snow, with resorts there enjoying three days of snowfall and reporting excellent powder conditions.

Although sunny weather returned at the start of the week, more snow is now on the horizon.

Switzerland
Switzerland ended last week with heavy snowfall, with Laax topping the charts at 60cm (2 feet) - one of Europe's largest accumulations this month. High slopes across the country reported excellent powder conditions through the weekend and into the week.

Andermatt and Saas-Fee also received 40cm of fresh snow, whilst Arosa posted a healthy 25cm there.

While sunshine has returned to most areas, the Southeast, including Arosa and St Moritz, remains cloudier with light snow showers.

Temperatures have dropped slightly, with freezing levels around 1900m in the afternoons, dipping below -12°C overnight on higher slopes and staying sub-zero in valleys.

Scandinavia
After last week's snowfall, Scandinavia has continued to experience predominantly cold and sunny weather since the weekend. The main exception has been the far north, where ski areas have seen substantial snowfall.

Conditions are excellent across the region with Norway's Myrkdalen, near Voss, now boasting the area's deepest snow and first to have a base exceeding 2m this season, with deep powder reported.

In Sweden, Åre is nearly 100% open with the most extensive terrain available in Scandinavia.

The sunny spell is expected to continue in most areas over the next few days, with temperatures remaining predominantly below freezing, ensuring the snow remains in excellent condition.

Pyrenees
March has been a great month in the Pyrenees after the region saw little snowfall in the first three months of this season.

It's hardly stopped snowing this month and although falls have been lighter this week, temperatures are cooler than they were in February, the bases the deepest they've been and the region's largest resort Grandvaliara in Andorra has finally reached almost full operation with 95% of its slopes open. That means it has more than 200km of runs open for the first time this winter.

The only thing to be aware of for freeriders and off-piste skiers in that the avalanche danger is up at level 3, the highest it has been since mid-December.

Scotland
A fairly stable weather week in the Scottish Highlands with fresh snow on higher hills and mountains and overnight lows below freezing, but warm afternoons down in the glens.

The consequence of that is that Glenshee has joined The Lecht in closing and won't open again until next winter unless there's a big natural snowfall.

However Cairngorm, with access to its summit now possible again with the funicular back in operation, has re-opened access to the Ptarmigan Bowl with its natural cover.

Glencoe has a small snow play area and dry slope for beginner lessons open still. Natural snow-reliant Nevis Range is yet to open this season.

Eastern Europe
Eastern European centres didn't see the snowfall in the volumes recorded in the Alps, but they did get some light accumulations in the 5-10cm bracket in the Carpathians over the weekend, and there was a little snowfall to ski slopes in Bulgaria at the start of this week.

But really it feels springlike with many smaller, lower ski areas in the region already closed for the season and the big-name, higher resorts battling the thaw.

Major resorts like Bansko, Jasna and Spindleruv Mlyn remain with at least 75% of their slopes open, some as much as 90%.

North America
Canada
Great conditions in Western Canada with most areas reporting 2-3 feet (60-90cm) of fresh snowfall this week and temperatures remaining cold – in the -5 to -10C range keeping that powder fresh.

Base depths have now topped 4 metres in the far west of the country and Whistler Blackcomb reports its slopes 95% open – with most other ski areas in Alberta and BC also mostly open.

There's less good news on the East Coast where it continues to be milder than usual with ski areas in Quebec and Ontario seeing rain rather than snow showers unfortunately, impacting what they can open.

USA
Some spectacular snowfalls in the Western US for a second week running with ski areas in California posting over a metre (3 feet) more snowfall and even 30cm down at lake level at Tahoe.

Further north, ski areas like Mt Bachelor in Oregon were digging out after 90cm (three feet) fell in 36 hours.

So epic conditions but resorts are also warning of high avalanche and tree well danger.

It's been dumping in the Rockies again too with Jackson Hole passing 400 inches seasonal snowfall to date.

Further east there have been some very mild temperatures but most areas remain fully open and a temperature dip with snowfall is forecast ahead of the weekend.

Silverstar, BC, Canada, had another powder day...

Sunny in the Alps, snow in the Rockies and (again) in Japan. Snow in the forecast for some parts of the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees next week.

The Snow Headlines - March 13th
- Snow returns to the Alps with up to 60cm in 72 hours reported in Southern France.
- Snowfall continues and intensifies in the Pyrenees as avalanche risk level rises.
- 2 Feet (60cm) of snowfall in 72 hours for Whistler Blackcomb.
- Warm temperatures in Bulgaria with lower slopes seeing close to +20C in afternoons.
- Scottish ski area calls it a day on 24-25 ski season.



Snow forecasts worldwide.

Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.

World Overview
The weather has turned wintery in the Alps, with a front moving up from the Southwest bringing heavy snowfall that is progressively moving north and east. Accumulation totals have now reached 60cm for some slopes in southern France but its been more like 10-30cm in most areas.

Snowfall has also continued and actually intensified in the Pyrenees, with reports of up to 40cm of fresh in 24 hours on the Spanish side of the border pushing the avalanche danger up to 'considerable'.

Elsewhere in Europe, Scandinavia has had a mostly cold but sunny and dry week, with the snow staying in good condition. Sunny too down in Bulgaria but here it's been very warm, in the high teens, although so far slopes remain open thanks to established snow depths.

In North America, Whistler Blackcomb posted the most snowfall in the world this week, nearly 1.5m (5 feet) over the last seven days.

Japan's Tengendai Kogen Ski Area continues to post the deepest base in the world; now up to 7.8m (25 feet).

Europe
Austria
Whilst the Alps have had snowfall this week, it's been the south and western Alps that have seen the most, whilst Austria's northeasterly location has been slightly drier. There has been a lot more cloud though with temperatures a degree or two cooler, but still in the -10 to +10C range with freeze-thaw conditions up to about 2,500m altitudes the norm.

There have been some snowfalls reported, mostly in the west and south of the country, but these have been more in the 5-10cm bracket on the whole and some areas have seen rain and sleet at lower elevations.

Most Austrian areas have at least 80% of their slopes still open and some like Kitzbuhel and Obertauern remain at 100%. Sunny spells and snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend.

France
France has experienced a snowy week, with significant snowfall over the past few days and more in the forecast.

The southern French Alps have seen the heaviest accumulations, with Serre Chevalier recording 60cm (2 feet) of fresh snow on its highest slopes in the last three days.

Risoul and Vars have also received about 30cm of new snow in the same period.

Across the country, all the major ski regions are nearly fully open, with higher slopes in areas like Tignes, Val d'Isère, Courchevel, and Méribel receiving 20-40cm of snowfall.

The snowy conditions are set to continue into next week, with elevated Avalanche Risk, before milder temperatures follow.

Italy
Italy has seen a relatively positive week for snowfall during what has otherwise been a fairly dry winter season of 2024-25 so far.

Following last week's sunshine, skies have mostly been cloudy, with daily light to moderate snowfalls—most pronounced in the western areas.

The Dolomites, which have struggled with base depths often below 50cm throughout the season, experienced a rare treat of powdery conditions this week. Among the resorts benefiting from this were Madonna di Campiglio and Cervinia, both of which reported 20cm of fresh snow and excellent powder conditions at the start of the week.

However, daytime temperatures continue to rise well above freezing at lower elevations, meaning the finest conditions are found at higher altitudes, while lower slopes occasionally see rain or sleet.

Switzerland
Swiss ski resorts had cloudy weather with light snow this week.

The south and west, including Saas-Fee and Zermatt, received 20-30cm of snow on higher slopes. Verbier reported a 28cm accumulation on Thursday.

Although temperatures in lower valleys reached +10°C, causing some thawing, most resorts report 80-100% of slopes open. More snowfall is expected this weekend before drier weather next week.

Scandinavia
There have been snowfalls this week in Scandinavia, contributing an additional 10-20cm to base depths.

However, high-pressure conditions have mostly prevailed, bringing abundant sunshine to the region. With longer daylight hours, ski centres can now open all slopes with snow cover, expanding beyond the floodlit runs used during midwinter. As a result, more terrain continues to become accessible.

Additionally, temperatures have largely stayed below freezing, ensuring that snow conditions remain exceptional—among the best in Europe at the moment.

Pyrenees
The Pyrenees posted some of the biggest snowfalls in Europe at the weekend with accumulations of up to 40cm in 24 hours reported on the Spanish side of the mountain range.

Andorra's Grandvalira posted 25cm in 24 hours to start the week and has had more snowfalls since. It continues to have the most terrain open in the region, about 80% of its full area and the most its had open all season. It describes snow conditions as 'powder'.

Scotland
Scotland's troubled 24-25 ski season has continued with more very mild temperatures over the weekend melting most of what was left of any hill snow and leading The Lecht to announce it was closing for the season. Nevis Range is yet to open.

That leaves three areas – Cairngorm, Glencoe and Glenshee still open (although Glencoe was forced to close over the weekend by the warm temperatures) and the good news for them is that temperatures dropped to something more wintery and hill snow returned on Sunday/Monday. The problem is a lot is needed before the next warm snap to rebuild bases. For now, each has their small areas of slopes maintained by their all-weather snowmaking systems.

Eastern Europe
Conditions are becoming increasingly challenging in southeastern Europe, simply because its been getting so warm with non-stop sunshine in the Balkans, and there's no real change forecast.

Bansko and Borovets remain mostly open thanks to accumulated snow on higher slopes but it's been reaching +10C even on mountain tops in Bulgaria.

The issues aren't quite so serious further north with ski areas in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia seeing similar temperatures to the Alps and after a dry start to the week rain, sleet and snow showers are now moving in here.

North America
Canada
A great week in Western Canada with temperatures staying low and everywhere reporting a foot or two of fresh snowfall to bring powder conditions across the region.

Whistler Blackcomb was one of the big winners reporting 60cm (2 feet) in 72 hours to start the week with the snow falling right across the region, it was 1.4m (5 feet) over the past 7 days as of this Thursday.

Jasper's Marmot Basin over in Alberta posted 30cm in the same period and powder conditions there.

Over on the East Coast it's been a little less snowy and we've had the ongoing issue of rising temperature spikes bringing rain and thawing at times, as well as strong winds causing issues, but it's been dry overall and most areas remain fully open.

More snowfall for the West later this week, warm weather possible in the East at the weekend.

USA
The US has had quite a quiet week for snowfall after the big metre-plus accumulations in the Rockies that ended last weekend. Things have been changing again after a sunny week in the west though with up to a foot of snow reported in the Utah Rockies in the past 24 hours and a major storm impacting California from the Pacific, with up to 1.2m of snowfall forecast to hit by the end of the weekend.

Strong winds and blizzard conditions have temporarily closed a lot of areas in the past few days though.

On the East Coast warm temperatures are back to being an issue with dry but warm weather although there's now a temperature drop and return of snowfall in the forecast.