Parts of northern and central Italy are struck by the snowfall. Storm Norbert brings snow, not even deep into the valleys, but into the lowlands. It is therefore a chaos on some highways and there were even some power outages. And that is not surprising when you look at the amounts of fresh snow in the last 36 hours. In the Piedmont they had around 80-150 cm of freshies, with peaks of more than 200 centimeters in resorts such as Limone Piemonte. As usual, the French resorts almost against the Italian border benefit as will on days like this (think of Isola 2000, the Queyras, Montgenevre and Valfrejus). The reports speak for themselves. It is ON in the Piedmont and Appenines.
They had around 80-150 centimeter of freshies in the Apennines. The eastern stau regions of Lombardia, the Dolomites and Carinthia also got their share, but a lot less with just 20-45 centimeter of freshies. For the deepest tree runs you will therefore have to go to the southern Alps west this weekend. The PowderAlert for this weekend is spot on. Especially since the Piedmont will even get more snow in the next 24 hours.
Where to go?
The deepest destinations are known and already mentioned, but let’s mention them once more, so you’ll end up in the right place. In resorts such as Limone Piemonte, l’Argentera and Crissolo it’s really deep. The same applies to the resorts in the western Piedmont and the eastern part of the Queyras, like Prali, Bardonnechia, Via Lattea. Go south!
- Southern Alps West (the more south, the better)
Is this region too far away for you, than the eastern Stau regions of Lombardia and the Dolomites might also be an option for you with around 20-45 centimeters of freshies. This might include some extra thinking because the base was much thinner and there is significantly less snowfall. So it might be an option, but clearly not the best one:
Freeride in the Apennines
It’s ON in the Apennines as well. The locals came up with these tips: Febbio 2000 (the lifts will open this weekend), Abetone and Cimone. Wherever you go: Happy hunting this weekend. It is deep in the south!
PA #11 from Monday
Sunday it begins to snow as announced in Salzburg and Styria. Tyrol will also get his share, but the further west you go, the less snow will fall. But, don’t expect too much snow this weekend. This weekend is for the south. It will only snow in the east of Austria on Sunday and it will be ON over there on Monday. It will even snow heavily on Tuesday.
But the advancing high pressure area is pushing the precipitation further to the east and as a result the most snow will come down in areas like Krippenstein, Tauplitz, Loser, Kasberg, Hinterstoder and Hochkar. Give the dump its time and make sure you’re there on Tuesday morning. The regions to watch at PowderAlert #11:
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Northern Alps East (it’s ON especially here)
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Northern Alps Central (the more east, the better)
More details on Sunday!
Kortom
What are you waiting for? Fire up these engines and GO!
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It’s ON in the northwest of the Alps
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The avalanche danger is still critical in large parts of the Alps
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Lots of snow on its way for large parts of the southern Alps and the east of Austria
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It will snow till the beginning of next week
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PA#11 for the northern Alps from Sunday
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High pressure will dominate after that (and a small temperature inversion)
Snow cover still unstable
Oh yeah, do not forget, with all the stoke flying around, to keep in mind that the snow cover is still unstable in large parts of the Alps. Therefore go for tree runs with no steep faces above you. That you eliminate a large part of the problems and risks. If you go to the Alps the next couple of days, be alert. Check your local daily avalanche bulletin, make sure you have the right gear with you and that you have the right knowledge. No knowledge? Are you not sure? Say no to off-piste and wait for conditions to improve. The season is still long.
Stay stoked
Morris