Snow Report 26 November 2015 - Europe & Japan

Val Thorens 21.11.15 - Val Thorens Facebook

The first big snows arrived in Europe last weekend. About 50-80cm fell at the resorts close to the central Alps, with the snowfalls centred on Switzerland.

JAPAN

A little snow fell on the peaks only at Niseko over last weekend. This week brought a little more snow to Hokkaido with some rain mixed in. Becoming much colder on the weekend.

A little snow has been falling in Honshu also, with the upper slopes of the higher ski areas getting the goods while the lower slopes and villages got a bit wet. Its also set to get colder on Friday, lowering the snow level.

Les Arcs 22.11.15 - Les Arcs Facebook

Niseko, Nozawa Onsen and the top of Kagura typically open on 28th November. The rest are set to get lifts running some time in mid-December, however Happo One in Hakuba has promised to open the top lifts at least as soon as there is enough snow.

FRANCE

Snow arrived last Friday at the higher altitudes in the northern Alps ski stations at first. Then on Saturday the snow lowered to village level and really set in nicely.

Val d'Isere 22.11.15 - Val d'Isere Facebook

Its snowed on and off through the weekend in the north. Val Thorens reported 60cm at 2300m from the weekend's storm.

The southern Alps missed out on the big falls, but the peaks are now white.

Val Thorens, Val d'Isere and Chamonix's Grand Montets ski area opened this weekend. Isola on 5th December. Les Arcs on 12 December. Serre Chevalier will open some lifts for the weekends only until mid-December.

Val Thorens 22.11.15 - Val Thorens Facebook

ITALY

Monte Rosa got snow, but not as much as was expected. About 25-30cm above 2300m altitude. It seems unlikely to open lifts this weekend.

Madonna di Campiglio only received a dusting, and Val Gardena was passed by.

Madonna di Campiglio and Monte Rosa opened limited areas on the 21st November last year.