Climate change is making it harder and harder to find consistent snow conditions, even for winter paradises like the Alps. With the ski holidays just around the corner, many European families will head up to the mountains to enjoy a taste of winter. So if you’re looking to enjoy time skiing, sledding or snowshoeing, it’s worth investing time and research to determine where you can find the right conditions. Our most memorable family experiences have often been away from overcrowded and overpriced popular resorts, and over the years, we’ve learned a few simple tricks to find these hidden gems.
Check the "Snowfall Limit".
The “snowfall limit” gives you a rough idea of at which altitude you can find snowfall. This elevation depends on various factors but gives you a good starting point for your planning. This elevation changes daily depending on the weather and region, so check the forecast for the day you plan to adventure. Depending on where you plan to explore, you can find trusted websites that provide detailed reports and snow forecasts. For Switzerland, we use www.slf.ch or an app called White Risk.
Search for resorts above the "Snowfall Limit".
Once you figure out the snowfall limit, a quick google search can help you find local ski resorts above the “snowfall limit”. Generally, the higher, the better. If the resort’s elevation is above the predicted snowfall limit, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find snow.
Collect information about the resort.
The next step is collecting detailed information about your selected resort's snow conditions. Many advertise fresh snowfall on their website and social media channels, and most lifts have live webcams. These are helpful tools to check if the forecast is correct and to see the conditions first-hand.
Don’t let the weather conditions in the valley deceive you. Once you get above the fog and clouds, you often find blue skies and sunshine.
We recommend calling the local tourism board or gondola station - they can give you real-time advice and condition reports. Speaking directly with a local is also an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions about the activity you are planning.
Study the weather forecast.
Check local weather radar maps, which provide detailed hour-by-hour forecasts. They can help you plan your activities around the best time of day and avoid poor or even dangerous weather conditions.
Check hours of sunlight.
Depending on the location and time of year, the sun can set much earlier than where you live. Be sure to research the location of the mountain and find out which direction the slopes face. During winter, the sun sets much earlier in deep valleys, especially on North facing hills.
Avalanche danger.
Always check the current avalanche danger level with the local avalanche research centre. If you stay on marked slopes and trails, you should be safe, but always do your research. If you plan to explore the backcountry, you should get advice from staff working at the resort or from experienced locals who know where the safe areas are.
Practice makes perfect.
Finding fresh snow is an art; the more you learn and practice, the easier it becomes. So take time to speak to locals, ask questions and use tools such as radar maps, search engines and webcams. Safety always comes first, so remember to be prepared, plan according to the weather, and use best practices, especially in the backcountry.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions you’d like us to answer.