16 Dec Stunning snow conditions in the Alps: a December 2021 ski alert
We have some news for you about the snow conditions in the Alps for December 2021. Since the start of December we have had 2.3 meters of snow at 2,300 meters altitude in the Alps. In other words, the snow conditions are amazing for this time of year.
The weather rolled in from the North West and has coated the northern side of the Rhone valley as well as the areas surrounding the Lac Leman, leaving us with absolutely spectacular skiing and snowboarding.
We haven’t seen this much snow this early since 2017, So this really is a treat to have these lovely snow conditions in the first week in December giving us almost a whole month more of fun.
Finding even descents in these snow conditions
I was lucky enough to explore further afield than usual during this time and learn about the unique snow conditions in the Alps close to Lac Leman. Due to the cold, stable lake temperature the snow pack on the smaller summits around the lake remains relatively unchanged from the top to the bottom of the ski descent.
This is something that we do not see in the high peaks of the Valais region of the Alps. Here, where I live, the temperature varies from the valley floor to the summits, meaning the closer you get to the valley floor the more the snow texture changes. You see this during the whole season from beginning to end. Interestingly, this is not the case in the areas surrounding Lac Leman, where the snow conditions are relatively stable from top to bottom.
Switzerland really is a wonderful playground when it comes to snow. We invite you to join us this winter.
We are wishing you all a lovely Christmas, wherever you are.
Merry Christmas from the Swisskisafari team.
In the press
We are delighted to have featured in an article on heli skiing around the world in Conde Nast Traveller this month. Have a look for some ski inspiration.