Industry News
Skipping right ahead to week 5 as I had to take some time off for a family emergency. Apologies to those looking for the weekly report.
On the upside, there has been plenty of snow so I am excited to report this week’s snowiest resorts in Europe (and more is still to come—it is expected for snowfalls until Wednesday).
Please be advised that avalanche danger in the southern Alps is at Level 4 out of 5. Please note that snow depths are self reported by the resort and cannot be independently verified
#Equal 6 Les Deux Alpes, France
Starting out we have a tie for sixth place with two French resorts, one of which is Les Deux Alpes in France. The resort is located in the Isère region, 44 miles from Grenoble and is home to Europe’s largest skiable glacier. The resort offers 220 km (137 miles) of groomed runs and 2,300 m (7,546 feet) of vertical.
- Snowdepth at peak: 235 cm (93 inches)
- Runs open: 75/82
- Lifts operating: 38/39
#Equal 6 Alpe d’Huez, France
Alpe d’Huez in France is one of the most picturesque European ski resorts. The highest peak in the Alpe d’Huez ski area in France is the Pic Blanc, reaching an altitude of 3,330 meters (10,925 feet). The ski run from Pic Blanc is the longest black run in Europe, called Sarenne, which is 16 kilometers (10 miles) long.
- Snowdepth at peak: 235 cm (93 inches)
- Runs open: 115/142
- Lifts operating: 55/65
#5 Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Chamonix Mont-Blanc is probably one of Europe’s most famous ski areas. 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.
- Snowdepth at peak: 245 cm (96 inches)
- Runs open: 73/120
- Lifts operating: 50/81
#4 Lauchernalp/Lötschental, Switzerland
Lauchernalp/Lötschental in the Swiss canton Valais is a medium-sized resort near the Aletsch Glacier with 41 km (26 miles) of groomed runs. There is no road access to the village in winter, it is only reachable by tram way.
- Snowdepth at peak: 252 cm (99 inches)
- Runs open: 29/41km (18/26 miles)
- Lifts operating: 4/7
#3 Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Coming in third place, we have Switzerland’s Saas-Fee with 2.7 meters (9 feet). The small sister to Zermatt is also a picturesque, car-free resort just across the valley. Please beware that avalanche danger at Saas-Fee is currently considerable.
- Snowdepth at peak: 270 cm (106 inches)
- Runs open: 63/141 km (39/88 miles)
- Lifts operating: 19/39
#2 Flaine/Le Grand Massif, France
Flaine in the Le Grand Massif area in France is boasting 2.8 meters (9 feet) of snow. Le Grand Massif 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.
- Snowdepth at peak: 280 cm (110 inches)
- Runs open: 101/151
- Lifts operating: 48/64
#1 Les Arcs/Paradiski, France
In number one this week we have Les Arcs, France, with 3 meters (10 feet) of snowdepth. Les Arcs 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.
- Snowdepth at peak: 300 cm (118 inches)
- Runs open: 141/151
- Lifts operating: 51/53
