Industry News
Dust off those skis, snow has fallen in the Alps. A cold front rolled into western Europe, dropping temperatures 11 to 18°F (6 to 10 °C) below the mid-September average. This cold front is delivering heavy precipitation, with an estimated 40-80 inches for the total storm. However, most of Europe will experience rain with snow only expected in high-altitude regions of the Alps.
Austria’s highest ski area in Austria, Pitztal Glacier is projected to open on September 28. At over 11,286 feet (3,440 meters), it is typical for the ski area to be open from September through May. On Wednesday, the ski area reported fresh snow on elevations above 6,562 feet (2,000 meters).
Kaunertal Glacier in Austria’s Tyrol is set to open on October 4. Kaunertal is a popular choice for off-piste and cross-country skiing. Kaunertal and Pitztal are both located in Tyrol, a multi-national region that holds excellent skiing in western Austria and parts of northern Italy.
Austria is not the only country itching to start spinning lifts, Finland’s Levi Ski Resort and Ruka Ski Resort are set to open on October 4 as well. It is not the Alps, but both ski areas in Finland pack a ton of terrain into each respective mountain. Ruka Ski Resort has recorded over 12 inches (32 cm) of snowfall thus far as they prepare the slopes for opening day in less than one month.
Winter wasted no time letting Europe know that ski season is approaching, and fast. The cold front is expected to stick around for about another week, and will continue to bring rain and snow across western Europe, according to Severe Weather Europe. Now those in North America can only sit around and dream that a storm of this magnitude rolls through soon.
