Industry News
The new year delivered the goods across many European resorts. Between 20 and 50 cm (8-20 inches) fell across the Alps on New Year. Especially French resorts in the west of the Alps have seen a lot of snowfall in the last couple of days. If you’re wondering which resorts have the deepest snowpack* right now, here are the top seven ski resorts for snowdepth this week. We have a tie for third place this week.
*Please note, snow depths are self-reported by resorts and not verified by a third party.
#7 La Thuile / Espace San Bernardo, Italy/France
The Espace San Bernardo ski area, which is situated at the French-Italian border, consists of La Thuile in Italy and La Rosière in France. The combined ski area offers 7,400 acres of skiing across 100 miles (160km) of groomed runs. The resort is serviced by one cable car and 37 lifts and has great training facilities for athletes, such as slalom areas, terrain parks, a boarder-cross slope, fun cross areas, a snowkite area, and kids’ games parks.
- Snowdepth at peak: 320 cm (126 inches)
- Runs open: 58/80
- Lifts operating: 33/38
#6 Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland
The ski area of Flims Laax Falera is situated in the canton of Graubünden, about one and a half hours drive from Zurich. The ski resort is well known as a Freestyle mecca, and features one of the best terrain parks in the world, that attracts the best Freestyle skiers and boarders across the world.
- Snowdepth at peak: 323 cm (128 inches)
- Runs open: 198/224 km (124/140 miles)
- Lifts operating: 25/28
#5 St. Anton/Warth/Schröcken — Arlberg Ski Area, Austria
The recent two storm fronts across the Alps brought a ton of snow to Tyrol, Austria. Warth Schröcken, is part of the Arlberg ski area, which is connected to St. Anton, St. Christoph, Lech, Zürs, and Stuben. The combined ski resort offers 302km (189 miles) of groomed runs serviced by 85 lifts and gondolas.
- Snowdepth at peak: 330 cm (130 inches)
- Runs open: 270/302 km (169/189 miles)
- Lifts operating: 82/85
Equal #3 Kaunertal Glacier, Austria
Kaunertal in the Austrian state of Tyrol has seen 340 cm of snow at peak. The resort is running a special deal offering up to 30% off day passes if you purchase online. The ski area offers 61km (38 miles) of groomed runs and features a glacier area that boasts three runs of more than 3,000 feet of vertical.
- Snowdepth at peak: 340 cm (134 inches)
- Runs open: 27/31
- Lifts operating: 12/14
Equal #3 Flaine/Le Grand Massif, France
Le Grand Massif in France is located in the Haute-Savoie region and is one of France’s largest interconnected skia areas. The resort faces the famous Mont Blanc and boasts 139 ski runs for beginners and experts alike, serviced by 62 modern ski lifts.
- Snowdepth at peak: 340 cm (134 inches)
- Runs open: 97/139
- Lifts operating: 46/67
#2 Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs in France is located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Albertville, host of the 1992 Winter Olympics. The resort is in the heart of the French Alps and offers a vast 265 miles (425km) of groomed runs serviced by 53 lifts and cable cars, including a two-level cable car that fits 200 people.
- Snowdepth at peak: 350 cm (138 inches)
- Runs open: 84/121
- Lifts operating: 44/53
#1 Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
The iconic ski area of Chamonix Mont-Blanc is on top of our list this week, with a staggering 4 meters (13 feet) of snowdepth at peak. Chamonix is one of the best European resorts for expert riders. One of my favorite memories is going down Mont-Blanc on a guided tour on my snowboard through massive untracked powder. Definitely a bucket list item! Please be aware though that currently avalanche conditions are at Level 3 following the recent snowfalls.
- Snowdepth at peak: 400 cm (157 inches)
- Runs open: 66/121
- Lifts operating: 38/69
