SNOWFALL ANALYSIS
Snow Forecasting
Although snowfall is unpredictable at long range, regular patterns do emerge over a number of seasons.
Using this data, you can tell if your preferred travel dates correspond with previous good snow conditions.
Les 2 Alpes
Because Les 2 Alpes boasts Europe's largest skiable glacier, the quantity & quality of snow on the upper slopes is practically guaranteed. The season usually gets underway in October, and extends to the end of April. The glacier sector then reopens from mid-June to late August for summer snowsports too.
All principal lower pistes are covered by snowmaking equipment, including the link to/from the Pied Moutet sector. The only negative issue being that the lowest slopes often become very slushy & ‘heavy’ during periods of warmer weather.
SNOWFALL RECORDS
Snow-Depth Statistics
The graphs below illustrate snow depth in centimetres, as measured at set points on the lower and upper slopes; figures are taken from official station communiqués.
The magic figure is 100 cm (39 in): once snow depth exceeds that mark, conditions will generally be good throughout the ski area and will usually remain so for an extended period of time.
Fig. 1 Combined average snow depth recorded over the past 3 seasons:
Figs. 2, 3 & 4 The following graphs detail the snowfall history for each of the past three winter seasons (the combined data from these records was used to compile the seasonal averages graph in Fig. 1):
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ski-ride.co.uk
Seasonal Snowfall Records
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