The Alps are experiencing a classic late-season transition, with recent snowfall giving way to unseasonably warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine. This dramatic shift has created varied conditions across the region, impacting resorts from the French Alps to Norway, and offering a mixed bag for skiers and snowboarders as March draws to a close. PlanetSKI’s on-the-ground reports highlight the dynamic nature of this period, with significant snow events followed by a rapid thaw.
Wednesday, March 18th: A Tale of Two Resorts
Our team began the day in Morzine, a charming village resort in the French Alps, before heading to the interconnected resort of Avoriaz. While the sun made a welcome reappearance, it brought with it a significant surge in temperatures. This rapid warming is a common feature of spring skiing, often leading to softer snow conditions, particularly at lower altitudes.
Avoriaz, known for its unique car-free, purpose-built architecture, presented a striking visual contrast against the bright blue sky. The resort, which often divides opinion with its distinctive 1960s and 70s modernist design, was captured in a series of photographs showcasing its integration into the alpine landscape. These images highlight the resort’s bold, almost brutalist aesthetic, a stark departure from more traditional alpine villages. The architectural style, while polarizing, has become an iconic feature of the Portes du Soleil region.
Reporter James Cove, embedded with PlanetSKI, noted the polarizing nature of Avoriaz’s architecture, describing it as a "marmite resort" – something people either love or hate. Close-up shots revealed the detailed textures and forms of the buildings, emphasizing their unique character.
As the day progressed, the warming trend became even more pronounced. Upon returning to Morzine in the afternoon, temperatures had soared to a balmy +15°C at 3:30 PM. This significant temperature differential between the higher slopes and the village itself is typical for this time of year, creating distinct skiing experiences depending on elevation and aspect.
Cove is currently based in Morzine at Le Chablais, an establishment he described as "rather elegant looking." While the interior might be less grand than its exterior suggests, the value proposition is clear. For €50 per person, a room for three includes a hearty breakfast and a prime location, just five minutes from the main lift. Cove’s endorsement highlights the importance of affordable accommodation for skiers looking to maximize their time on the slopes rather than on lodging expenses.
Morzine itself retains its traditional village atmosphere, although snow cover in the village center has largely disappeared due to the unseasonable warmth. The resort’s home run, however, is described as "sketchy," with only a single run remaining open to the town. This suggests that while the higher slopes are still offering good skiing conditions, the accessibility from the village is becoming more challenging. Cove remains unfazed, emphasizing his focus on the quality of snow on the slopes themselves, which he reports remain in "excellent condition for the time of year."
The PlanetSKI team’s alpine road trip then continued with a short 11-minute drive to Les Gets, a resort with which Cove shares a personal history. He skied there 30 years ago with his family, long before the inception of PlanetSKI, and retains a "huge soft spot" for the area. The team is staying with Ski Weekends at Chalet Marjorie, an arrangement that promises comfort and convenience. Cove plans to publish a more in-depth report titled "Les Gets: Then & Now" later in the week, promising to explore the changes and constants in this beloved resort.
Tuesday, March 17th: A Glimpse of Norway and a Look Ahead
The day began with an update from Gausta, Norway, showcasing a different side of the late-season skiing landscape. While the Alps were experiencing a significant thaw, Gausta appeared to be offering a more consistent, albeit perhaps less dramatic, winter experience. The provided imagery suggested a well-maintained resort, with modern lift infrastructure. Further details about Gausta were promised, hinting at a potential for deeper coverage of Nordic ski destinations.
Back in the French Alps, James Cove continued his reporting from Morzine and Les Gets. The prevailing sentiment was one of optimism, with the weather forecast indicating continued sunshine and pleasant temperatures. The visual evidence from the region painted a picture of a resort still very much alive with winter activity, despite the absence of snow at the very lowest elevations.
Monday, March 16th: Post-Storm Calm and Avalanche Warnings
The preceding weekend saw a significant weather event sweep across the Alps, bringing much-needed snow to many areas. As Monday dawned, the focus shifted to the aftermath of this storm and the implications for safety.
According to weathertoski.co.uk, the forecast for the coming week in the Alps was characterized by relative calm, with ample sunshine interspersed with drifting clouds. Temperatures were expected to remain on the cooler side, which would help mitigate the extreme freeze-thaw cycles often experienced at this time of year. There was also a potential for further snowfall in the south-western Alps towards the end of the week, suggesting a possibility of renewed winter conditions in some areas.
However, the recent storm was not without its dangers. Reports indicated a "considerable" risk of avalanches in several parts of the Alps, including Switzerland, France, and Italy. Tragically, one person lost their life in France as a result of an avalanche, with another individual sustaining injuries. This underscores the critical importance of heeding avalanche warnings and exercising caution in mountainous terrain, especially following significant snowfall. The "considerable" risk level, typically rated as a 3 out of 5 on avalanche danger scales, signifies a significant probability of avalanches occurring, particularly on steeper slopes and in specific snowpack conditions.
Sunday, March 15th: Snowfall Across the Alps
The much-anticipated storm delivered substantial snowfall to various parts of the Alps. Western Italy and the southern regions of Switzerland were particularly well-served, with Zermatt and Saas-Fee reporting up to 1 meter of fresh snow. These high-altitude resorts, renowned for their reliable snow conditions, benefited greatly from the storm, although it was accompanied by high winds, which can impact lift operations and visibility.
The Monte Rosa area in Italy also saw significant accumulations, further bolstering the snow base in a region known for its challenging and rewarding off-piste opportunities. Many other parts of the French Alps received between 10 and 30 cm of snow above 1,600 meters, providing a welcome top-up for the season’s final weeks.
However, lower altitudes received less snow than initially forecast. In Morzine, where PlanetSKI has established its base, a dusting of approximately 5 cm was reported on the slopes. While this might not seem substantial, it was nonetheless "very welcome," adding a fresh layer to the existing snowpack and enhancing the skiing experience. The "Rock the Pistes" event was underway in Morzine, suggesting that despite the varied snow depths, the resort was buzzing with activity and celebrating the spirit of spring skiing.
Even the Jura mountains, located to the north of Lake Geneva, presented an attractive snowy landscape on Sunday, offering a picturesque backdrop and potential for skiing in a less mountainous, but equally charming, alpine environment.
PlanetSKI’s Commitment to Digital Ski News
PlanetSKI continues to position itself as a leading source for digital ski news. Their platform offers comprehensive coverage of resort information, travel advice, equipment rental, sports news, money-saving deals, and all aspects of snowsports through their website, social media channels, and other digital outlets. The brand’s logo, a stylized representation of a snowflake, reinforces its identity as a dedicated provider of all things winter sports. This ongoing coverage reflects a commitment to keeping skiers and snowboarders informed about the ever-changing conditions and opportunities within the global ski community. The dynamic nature of the past week in the Alps serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictability and beauty of the winter season, and PlanetSKI’s role in documenting these shifts.
