Industry News
Week 2 of the 2024-25 season has brought some fresh snowfalls across the Alps. While it’s been nothing major in snowfall, it has provided much needed top ups after the busiest holiday week. If you are lucky enough to be able to ski outside school holidays: this is the perfect time to get some uncrowded turns in at many European resorts.
Here are the top 7 for week 2 of the 2024-25 season. Please note that snowdepths are self reported by the resort and cannot be independently verified. Only resorts with snowdepth updates in the last 12 hours have been included.
#Equal 6 Saas-Fee, Switzerland
In equal sixth place instead of a seventh, we have Switzerland’s Saas-Fee. The small sister to Zermatt is also a picturesque, car-free resort just across the valley. Fun fact: 40 years ago, Wham! filmed their hit song “Last Christmas” at Saas-Fee.
- Snowdepth at peak: 240 cm (94 inches)
- Runs open: 83/141 km (64/88 miles)
- Lifts operating: 26/39
#Equal 6 Paradiski, France
Peisey Vallandry connects with La Plagne and Les Arcs to form the Paradiski area. The combined ski area is the second largest interconnected ski area in the world with 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: 240 cm (94 inches)
- Runs open: 131/142
- Lifts operating: 52/53
#Equal 3 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 39 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: 250 cm (98 inches)
- Runs open: 61/85
- Lifts operating: 38/39
#Equal 3 Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
The iconic ski area of Chamonix Mont-Blanc shares third place this week with 2.5 meters (8 feet) of snowdepth. Chamonix is one of the best European resorts for expert riders. Riding or skiing down Mont-Blanc should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. Please be aware that avalanche danger remains at Level 3 at higher altitudes. The resort warns that many plates (old and new) with a powdery appearance can be found around 2,100-2,300 meters (6,890-7,546 feet) of altitude that are easily trigger-able.
- Snowdepth at peak: 250 cm (98 inches)
- Runs open: 71/119
- Lifts operating: 62/81
#Equal 3 Le Grand Massif, France
Le Grand Massif in France is located in the Haute-Savoie region and is one of France’s largest interconnected ski areas. The resort faces the famous Mont Blanc and boasts 151 ski runs for beginners and experts alike, serviced by 64 modern ski lifts. Le Grand Massif’s snowdepth has grown by 10 cm (4 inches) from last week.
- Snowdepth at peak: 250 cm (98 inches)
- Runs open: 33/151
- Lifts operating: 38/64
#2 Les Arcs Aiguille Rouge/Paradiski, France
Les Arcs, France, is connected with La Plagne and Peisy Vallandry and together forms the Paradiski ski area, the second largest interconnected ski area in the world. The ski area boasts 265 miles (425km) of groomed runs serviced by 53 lifts and cable cars, including a two-level cable car that fits 200 people. The highest snowdepth can typically be found at Aiguille Rouge.
- Snowdepth at peak: 265 cm (104 inches)
- Runs open: 107/121
- Lifts operating: 50/53
#1 Avoriaz/Portes du Soleil, France
The picturesque village of Avoriaz in France is leading the ranks this week with 308 cm. The resort of Avoriaz gives access to the Porte de Soleil ski area which covers 600 km of slopes to across France and Switzerland. Avoriaz itself has 51 slopes services by 35 ski lifts. Please be mindful that avalanche risk is currently at Level 4 out of 5 and exercise extreme caution.
- Snowdepth at peak: 308 cm (118 inches)
- Runs open: 42/51
- Lifts operating: 32/35
