Weather
A powerful late-season storm cycle has delivered a major refresh across the eastern Alps, with Switzerland leading the charge after several days of sustained snowfall. The standout has been Engelberg, where snowfall totals have been exceptional even by mid-winter standards. According to OpenSnow data, the resort received 84 cm (33 inches) in the past 24 hours and 132 cm (52 inches) over the past five days, catapulting conditions back into peak-season form.
The storm has been driven by a moist northwesterly flow, favoring northern Alpine regions and creating classic “Nordstau” conditions—where precipitation intensifies as air is forced over the mountains. The storm didn’t stop at Switzerland. Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, was also hammered, with around 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) of fresh snow reported in recent days. But that much snow comes with complications. In a post on social media, the resort cautioned: “A lot of snow does not automatically mean a lot of skiing. 1.5 meters of fresh snow must first be tamed… colleagues work around the clock to secure the ski area and prepare the slopes.” Ongoing snowfall and poor visibility have delayed operations, with the resort indicating it expects to reopen over the weekend, pending improved weather conditions.
Across Austria, resorts in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg also saw consistent accumulations over the past 48 hours. While totals varied, many areas reported 20–60 cm (8–24 inches), with higher amounts in favored north-facing terrain. This storm arrives at a critical point in the season. With many resorts transitioning into spring conditions, the fresh snow has effectively reset the mountain—particularly at higher elevations.
However, it is important to note that avalanche danger has risen sharply across these regions.
Austrian forecasters report considerable danger above 1,800 meters, with fresh snow and wind-drifted slabs easily triggered and capable of producing medium to large avalanches.
In Switzerland, the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF warned that the large amounts of new snow and widespread drifted accumulations remain unstable, with individual skiers able to trigger sizable avalanches. Avalanche specialists emphasized that backcountry travel currently requires careful route selection and strong avalanche assessment skills, adding that extra caution is warranted as skies begin to clear after the storm. In some regions, SLF stresses, even experienced backcountry skiers might struggle recognizing risky areas as the weak underlayer of old snow (Altschneeproblem) can cause huge, unpredictable slides. Additional concerns include deeper slab releases on certain aspects, glide avalanches on steep grassy slopes, and loose snow avalanches in steep, sun-exposed terrain as temperatures rise.
While much of Western USA is winding up the season early, the eastern Alps are skiing more like mid-winter than late March. Deep powder, storm skiing, and limited visibility have replaced corn cycles and slushy afternoons—at least temporarily.
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