Another 5 cm over night in resort and no huge winds so the conditions up there today should be even better!

You gotta love the Colorado Mountains, where things can go from bad to good real quick.

14 inches in 48 hours, more than double that in the past week. 

We are back on track, with a favorable long term forecast to boot.

Keep it coming.

After several light snow showers during the week and the temperatures remaining cold it's coming down really heavy again once more at tea time on Thursday. Looking great for Courchevel opening on Saturday...

Arriving in resort yesterday, I was greeted by what seemed like tons and tons of the crisp white stuff. As far down as Brides les Bains there was a decent covering which is a sure sign to a brilliant start of season. The pistes around the Chaudanne are already being bashed and the corduroy is looking so tempting that I almost walked up the mountain just to have a little ride down. The lifts open on Saturday and if the blue skies of the first couple of days continue and we get another fresh dump then we should be in for a belter.

Our local wet-slope is open for the season, with one small strip available right now...... The current cold temps look set to stay and the snow-guns are cranking, so should be fully open within a week or so :-)

A much needed 21cm top-up arrived on Sunday to re-cover the various rocks poking through the base!...Divide chair is now open, although not highly recommended due to the wind-blown crustyness that is available right now...

 No snow forecast during the week, however a significant amount looks like it is on it's way sometime over the weekend and well into next week...... :-)

no more snow since last week but the temperature and clear nights have made the pistes unbelievably great. Snow is expected so lets wait and see.

The resort is due to open on 13 December and it's going to be a vintage start to the season with thigh-deep powder everywhere and more snow due on Friday and Saturday. Only people here are seasonnaires undergoing training and French builders frantically trying to finish construction sites before the start of the season.

The top slopes are wind-blown and the best snow is at mid station and the lower slopes down to Bellecote and Plagne 1800. With no lifts in operation a few intrepid seasonnaires have been skiing from Aime 2000 down to La Roche, returning by car. Weather is sunny and cold.

Only bars open are PlanJa in Plagne Centre and La Mine in Plagne 1800.

It has been a very poor start to the season.  The snowbase has crept down to just 45 cms and there has been no snow this week.  It is warm temperatures but there is a disturbance in the weather coming on friday with precipitation and snow forecast for Saturday!  So hopefully the season will kick start soon!

Morzine is covered in white fluffy gold right now. Loads of the stuff has been dumping all over us in resort. Training is keeping most workers from getting on those chairlifts but soon enough, everyone in Morzine is going to be hitting the piste. Can't wait.

Hello Hello! the season of all seasons is here. Zermatt has seen some amazing snow falls with no really strong winds so the off piste is superdooper. The constantly cold temps. has meant the pistes are at the best they could be. Basically for this time of year................awesome!

In Serre Chevalier we've just had a couple of days of snow, and at the valley level we've had at least a foot. All good. They've been blowing some as well. Resort isn't open until 13 December but there's talk of Monetier opening early for this weekend.

The Espace Killy opened yesterday (Saturday), and it's the best conditions I've ever skiied on the opening weekend - Val was a bit hard and skiddy in the normal places on the solaise and going into La Daille but the rest was great, some nice pockets of powder just off the piste off the side of tommeuse. Wind picked up yesterday afternoon and has kept blowing today, but it's settled down now just in time for another dump on the way tomorrow - Get in!

Arrived into the resort on Friday evening with piles of snow at the side of the road and couldn't wait to get up the hill come Saturday morning! The snow is fantastic, the resort is only open up to Attalas at the moment but there is still plenty of fresh tracks to be found if your willing to hike! Pistes are in better condition than they were for most of last season, so a perfect time to get out for a long weekend! With more snow forcast for next week its looking like it could be a brilliant season, everyone should get excited!

On the other side of things, apres ski is gathering pace as all the locals are celebrating all this lovely snow...! Good times to come!

I'm looking out of my window at the moment and its snowing like mad!!!  All adds to the excitement of the Espace Killy opening today.  Compared to last season looks like we're a good two weeks ahead snow-wise, if it continues, we're going to have the best season in decades - keep doing your snow dance to make sure!

As with much of the Alps, Courchevel is covered in the lovely white stuff with snow all the way down to Albertville! With more snow coming this weekend, it promises to be a great start to the season!

Snow, snow and more snow (Blue skies today and -6). The village is resounding to the sounds of shovels scraping, snow ploughs pushing snow and ski chains clattering the tarmac. Its snowed lots on and off for days, with a reputed 39cm in the village and 120cm somewhere up high!!! Champéry is now officially "Green for go". The lifts are opening partially this weekend and some of us even have work teaching!! Its a a bonza start....Long may the snow continue falling!

Today was the opening day of Whistler.  People were lined up in anticipation early and some had even camped out the night before to get first in line!  We have not yet been blessed with much snow - the base is only at 55cms but nonetheless it was a fun day.  Perfect conditions to get the legs pumping with the occasional branch and rock to avoid!

Blackcomb opens tomorrow so i'll be up early again to check it out!

The combination of last weekend's snow and  recent cold temperatures have kept the snow in great condition. The lifts don't open 'till friday, so I don't know how much snow there is up top, but there's a good couple of feet in resort, and after a short hike a couple of days ago we skied thigh deep powder near the bottom lift.

Both pictures by Gav Hodson.

We are having some amazing snow here in Tignes, it has been dumping for the last couple of days.

Snow still falling in the highlands, however only the Lecht so far able to take advantage of it. Nevis Range and Cairngorm currently closed for annual maintenance, Glenshee and Glencoe dont have quite enough snow for skiing yet. Hopefully the dump forecast for this weekend will happen and we could well see Glenshee open. Cairngorm is due to re-open at the end of next week so hopefully see some action up there soon too!

This past week has seen only a top-up of snow (14cm) up at sunshine....  Snow cover is still good for this time of year, however now that it has had time to pack down there are a few "Hidden Treasures" starting to pole through, especially on Wawa.

Yesterday was bluebird, with all lifts except Divide and Goats Eye running.....  Angel was ok with a big green/blue cruiser open, but anything off of that was pretty sketchy.... Best spots were off the side of Strawberry/Standish and in the trees around Wolverine.... There is a small rail/box park on Wawa.... Ski-Out is open, but icy in the trees.

The high alpine areas still need a fair bit of snow to open... they have the snow netting out, but high winds have stopped most of it settling.... There is a serious amount of snow-farming going on around the Rogers terrain park area, looks like it wont be long before they get something open.

Unfortunatley, right now there is no snow in the forecast for this week, but being Calgary the forecast changes every 15mins!.... Keep thinking snow!

Heavy overnight snow, 25 cm in resort, must be lots more higher up. There's even 10cm in Bozel at the bottom of the valley. Snow cannons have been on full blast and the piste bashers have already started grooming the runs in and around La Tania.

 

Further heavy snow showers have improved conditions at the Lecht, and the access roads are now closed due to drifting snow.

The Lecht plans to run the chairlift, 2 pomas and a beginners tow tomorrow

The recent snowfall down to low levels and a drop in windspeed means that the Lecht has managed to get a couple of lifts running today. Snow showers are continuing with further snowfall predicted into midweek.

The return of the La Tania official measuring system - a table and a tape measure. Just over 10cm down in resort, lots more high up and lots more to come. Snow Cannons on full blast too....

 

After a couple of bright days, the snow has returned to Tignes, light snow starting over night, with a decent dump with very cold conditions forecast over the weekend. The lake is well on the way to be frozen over with the cold snap coming earlier than normal. Watch this space for what actually comes down

Back into freezing with the temperature rollercoaster up here in Scotland this time its the eastern ski areas turn to get the bulk of snow. Freezing level is down to sea level and the snow is building up again on the webcams and the latest official statement from the mountain is:

"It's going to snow....by the looks of it... lots of it.....
If the snowfall is as prolific as everyone is forecasting then we will assess the situation early next week with a view to opening some lifts for the 29th and 30th Nov. Watch the web site for further information. There will be no skiing off the train (See train maintenance update below). If conditions permit the plan is to operate a lift from car park level giving access to the M1 and possibly the Ciste Tow."

News just in.... Angel chair opens on Friday!  :-)

Woke up to my first morning back in Tignes to the snow falling lightly - great conditions reported by the guys i've bumped into from the Grande Motte. Photos will follow later

Sunshine Village is OPEN!

The Village opened this weekend with Standish, Wawa, Strawberry, Jack Rabbit and Wolverine chairs all running. The snow cover was already good on Saturday but with 12cms overnight, Sunday was awesome!  Most of the rocks are covered with a few small trees still poking through on Wawa and the top of Standish still a bit exposed... The snow was a bit heavy, but will form a great base...Flat light - 'cos it was still snowing :-)

Standish and Wawa were busy, but some quiet stashes of powder could be found off the side of Strawberry and Wolverine in between the trees.

Another big drop forecast for Friday..... Fingers crossed for the weekend.... Keep thinking Snow!

After an initial flurry of snow, the mid mountain depth of 23" (58cm) is set to remain as the NWS is calling for clear days and subdued temperatures between 50 and 30F (10 to Oc). There's still limited terrain available and it's not recommended for beginners. Other resorts in the area such Alta and Park City are set to open on November 22nd.

Winter Park Resort will be opening next Wednesday 11/19/08 with 2-3 trails, 1-2 lifts, and a small terrain park with 4-5 features.  Cold temperatures have enabled around the clock snow making, although mother nature has not been as kind to us as she has been to our neighbors to the west (think Mormons).

Colorado currently has 5 resorts open, all with man made snow, the best of the bunch is Copper or Keystone.

High pressure returns next week, with temperatures for Tuesday in nearby Denver (85 miles Southeast) forecast for nearly 70F (20C), which won't help snowmaking but should make opening day feel like closing day.

A couple of good snow days has seen around 10cm fall at Sunshine, so looking good for the delayed opening on Friday... But still waiting for the big dump.... think snow!

Lake Louise opened this past weekend offering... (wait for it!)... one run and one chair!.  Snowmaking has allowed them to open the Wiwaxy run, with day tickets at $38.  Friends who headed up there for the opening said it was fun, with more cover than expected and it was good to get their legs back into it, but would definatley NOT pay for it!... So if you have a pass enjoy, otherwise i'd hang on for some more of the white stuff to fall.

Another big storm has rolled in and the snow has come with it! West coast ski areas (Glencoe and Nevis Range) have been getting dumped on, and there has also been wet snow down in the streets of Aviemore. Tomorrows forecast for the East Highlands is for blizzards and the snow is predicted to keep falling through until Wednesday

! Snowbird set to open Friday November 7th !

More than 3 feet of snow has fallen in November, and cold temperatures have allowed snow guns to operate, adding to the already impressive early season snow totals. Last year, Snowbird received 611 inches of The Greatest Snow on Earth® and had a 183-day season with skiing and riding from Nov. 30 to June 22.

Snowbird will be offering the Aerial Tram and two lifts, Gadzoom and Mid-Gad, to skiers and riders beginning Friday at 9 a.m. Expected open terrain includes Regulator Johnson from the top of Hidden Peak, as well as Big Emma and Bassackwards. Additional lifts and terrain will open as conditions permit.

Praise be to Ullr!

As America heads to the polls, The Bird gets a blanket of snow!

The NSW weather forecast is calling for winter storms to continue into the weekend as Snowbird's owner, Dick Bass, gets his crunk on in the pre-season dusting! Compared to last year Thanksgiving could be a white one this November.

We woke up to a Magical Valley this morning (Thursday) here in Cham. Dragged myself up and out for a morning run, cos you can’t miss an opportunity like this to lay down some fresh tracks, even if they are in Vasque trainers rather than on Faction Freeride skis. Gorgeous conditions and just an intense shot in the arm about what exactly is so energisingly sublime about fresh snow and the mountains. Since not everyone is lucky enough to be out here to run through it, I thought I’d at least send back some pics (click here) for people to get their Snow Fix wherever they may be. Enjoy!

Snow has been fairly chucking it down up North, and the Lecht has opened today! Amazed by some of the photos I've seen of the conditions there, quite remarkable given its still only October!

Unfortunately the recent dump at Glenshee hasn't provided enough for them to open any uplift, although there will be plenty for those willing to hike and it is still currently snowing there.

Latest reports from Cairngorm:

"Further snowfall has improved conditions since yesterday , and we will open for snowsports, using the Funicular for uplift. No other uplift is available. Snowsports this weekend suitable for intermediate skiers/boarders only. First Funicular 10am, last train up 3.30pm, down 4.15pm.

At present, it is possible to ski top to bottom, via traverse, Cas, 105, zigzags and home road. Due to poor visibility and baseless snow,  we have not checked other areas. These other areas will not be patrolled this weekend, and we strongly advise only to ski on the pisted track mentioned above. Off-piste ski-ing could result in injury or damage to equipment."

Planning a trip up North to investigate tomorrow...

 

Further snow yesterday and overnight. La Tania looking beautiful once again and the sun is now breaking through.Thought we were catching up with Scotland - then I heard The Lecht is going to open some lifts tomorrow!

 

Heavy snow here in Meribel now and looks likely to continue for the next 10 days.

The second covering of snow down to resort level this Winter - only just making things white but the temperature feels like January... Lagging behind Scotland though!

 

News just in from Cairngorm....

"If the snow continues it may certiainly be possible to ski off the funicular at the week end . We are as keen to open for skiing as you are!"

So it may be possible to bag some freshies at Cairngorm this weekend! However the outside contractors will be in as of Monday to begin the scheduled funicular maintenance.

 

Edit... Webcam capture....

From the Lecht:

"Wed 29th October 10.15
At present 4-6" of snow, runs filling in slowly
Weather warning for later today and tonight with heavy snow. Centre preparing to open if sufficient snow falls."

Update....

3 runs pisted and the centre is planning to open Fri-Sun, weather dependant

Coverage looking good up at Cairngorm! Snow foreast to continue over the next couple of days, might be worth a hike this weekend!

Snow now down to very low levels, reports of the access road being closed at Cairngorm, and all webcams looking white even at the Lecht the lowest altitude ski area. Could see some lifts open this weekend if the forecast is right and the snow continues!

Still snowing away in Scotland and despite gale force winds it still appears to be sticking! Cairngorm's webcams showing snow down to carpark level, Glencoe's cam showing a bit as well and the Nevis cam is looking good too... hope it keeps coming!

Cairngorms webcam showing a bit more snow at the moment :)

http://www.cairngormmountain.org.uk/webcam/ptarmiganCamLarge.html

I'm not sure how far winter is away, but Snowbird is due to open November 22nd (depending on conditions). I'm still fluffing about with my visa but I'll be out there before it kicks off.

A light dusting visible on Cairngorm's webcam this morning and a bit on Glencoe visible too. More snow forecast over the next few days

Well the season is almost finished here at Mt Hutt our official closing day is the 19th (this weekend) but the mountain will reopen for the long weekend of labour day at the end of October. Methven is winding down, all our snow bums have left. The Japanese ninjas and the euro trash shipped out this week and everyone is saying teary eyed farewells. The snow continues to rock with  great slushy spring conditions. The kicker line is still looking good but too much slush in the afternoon sucks up the pop.

Yesterday was closing day for Cardrona, wrapping up a pretty awesome season. For once closing day was actually an amazing bluebird day which saw a massive turnout from locals. With a party-like atmosphere a few skiers went in dress-up, whilst some brave folk dressed up in nothing but their speedos! The park was nice and slushy and the pipe was good to hit. However by 3 most people were sitting outside enjoying a nice beer in the sun!

Over the last 3 days we have seen about 30cm fall over Cardrona! Yesterday was a great powder day, with the sun coming out in full force in the afternoon. Its crazy to think we're closing on Sunday with all this snow. More snow is forecasted so we may have a powder day on closing.