If you didn’t know Europe has just been pounded by a mega snow storm then you must have been looking at the east coast of the USA instead. Many resorts in Europe were cut off from civilization or closed due to extreme avalanche danger.
Over 10 000 tourists were stuck in Cervinia (though we challenge the term ‘stuck’ as who wouldn’t want to be in Cervinia) in Italy after two meters of snow fell. Both Chamonix and Val Thorens in France closed lifts due to extreme avalanche danger and high winds in Montafon in Austria meant a high risk rescue for skiers trapped on swinging chairlifts.
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It’s great news for European ski resorts, once the avalanche danger drops and lifts are cleared of mega snowfall in order to open. Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy are having one of their best seasons yet, and one that is long overdue.
Sadly it’s not without it’s risks. The recent storm claimed the life of a skier in Morillon and a mother and daughter skiing off piste in Italy.
Snow depths are getting deep and it is definitely the season to be hitting up the European alps if you haven’t already.
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Meanwhile in Japan, Niseko is reporting 8 metres of snowfall thus far as they enter January after a record December snowfall across the country.
The western states of the USA are still waiting for significant snow events to kick off a fast moving season. Keep snow dancing for Colorado and Utah.
