The AP is reporting that sparse snowfall and unseasonably warm weather this winter is allowing grass to take the place of snow in the Alps, if you were planning a trip that involved the white stuff. Innsbruck, Switzerland and Germany were mentioned as areas with patches of grass, rock and dirt where normally snow would be, a swath that stretches from France to Poland with the Alps in the center. Unusually high temperatures for this time of year. So double check before you go.
Posted by
France Southwest
2395 posts
I would add that because of this lack of snow or poor quality snow, emergency medical services are currently reporting that injuries from falls are much more serious than usual.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8337 posts
They don't get as much snow as many of the ski resorts in Colorado, Utah or California. And the facilities are not as good either.
I found the skiing around Innsbruck to be steeper and icier than I was used to in Tahoe--for example. Not for the beginner skier.
As far as Europe, there are better ski years. I have a friend outside Salt Lake City who has snow up to her chin today in her yard.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
The skiing in Colorado right now is great! Lots of powder! And more to come.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
It's unfortunate that the usual European ski areas aren't getting more snow. Hopefully this is an aberration and normal conditions will return next winter.
We seem to be getting normal conditions so far this year at our local resort - https://www.skisilverstar.com/the-mountain/weather-conditions/snow-report-forecast .
Posted by
Munich
560 posts
Yap no snow and far too warm. But should be getting colder again and maybe snow is coming back.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
In March 2016, my son and some friends skied the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. When they reached the village, they were photographed posing on their ski on bare grass, with the photo appearing in local newspapers to accompany an article about the worrisome effects of climate change.
That was nearly 7 years ago. It has only become worse since then.,
Posted by
Munich
222 posts
It’s true that snow in lower altitude ski resorts (like most Bavarian ski resorts and the Tyrolian area around Kitzbuehl) is currently missing. One needs to go higher up for good skiing experience.
Good news is that there are Web-Cams everywhere and you can have a look what to expect before going.
https://www.bergfex.com/oesterreich/webcams/
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9022 posts
I imagine the warm winter weather is considered a blessing considering the gas situation.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7052 posts
It's unfortunate that the usual European ski areas aren't getting more
snow. Hopefully this is an aberration and normal conditions will
return next winter.
Based on our emissions of greenhouse gases, it will only get worse as a general trend.
There was an article in a major Swedish newspaper a few days ago about how Swedish ski resorts will benefit from a changing climate, which was rather absurd reading.
Posted by
Paris
10287 posts
Yes, it's definitely the case in France as well