20 Feb Highest snow fall in the Alps in 20 years

Italy recently saw some of the highest snow fall in the Alps in 20 years. Over 100cm of snow fell in just two days and the locals tell us that this is the highest snow fall in the Alps, or at least in their region, that they have seen in 20 years.

This is really interesting to us. Moving around the Alps between Switzerland, Italy and France we see very different conditions at the same time. This week, we started under the Matterhorn where there was definitely not the highest snow fall in the Alps in 20 years. We then went to other Swiss areas where the snow fall was high but not record-breaking. When we arrived in Italy the snow was the highest we had ever seen. Jumping across to France, the snow fall was not the same.

The art of a good trip

Because these countries are so close, it can be tricky to imagine that the snow conditions are dramatically different. Just twenty minutes away you’ll find a completely different climate. This is something we love about the Alps. Micro climates make skiing more than one country fun. The areas are so close and yet due to those huge mountains they are all very different when it comes to snowfall, temperature and sun. The art of a good trip is mixing these together and going after the best skiing, which is possible when you stay flexible with your plans and you ski from country to country.

The highest snow fall in the Alps in 20 years

This statement seems to back up what we have been observing for a few years now. We are getting more and more snow at high altitude and less at low altitude. This seems to be the effect of climate change in the Alps. It’s a world of extremes: very high snow fall at times and sometimes next to nothing. It is very unpredictable.

High snowfall safety

With this amount of snow comes the question of safety. It is absolutely necessary to allow the snow to settle and get some cohesion before trying to enjoy the deep snow. There are areas that are less steep and less exposed where we can play in the powder if we are the first ones there. However, for longer, more dangerous off piste slopes we need to wait until the snow stability is right before we ski.

Winter wonderland

When we get the highest snow fall in the Alps in 20 years the houses and the streets are topped with fluffy white snow. There are walls of snow to walk through and each part of a European village looks like something out of a fairy tale. This is delightful, as are the smiles on everyone’s faces. It is just magic.

The good snow is not over yet. It is only the middle of February, and who knows what is to follow for the rest of the season. So hold on to your hats, the season is not over yet.

Warm Regards from the mountains,

Danielle