WORLD SNOW WRAP – Fresh Feb Falls
Colorado has just seen the end of its best storm in 14 years. Here a local skier gets amongst it in Aspen Image:: Aspen/Snowmass
Mountainwatch | World Snow Wrap
Well, February 1st marks the halfway point of winter 13/14. Looking back, Europe has enjoyed reasonable snowfall throughout January including a decent storm over the last few days. There is now plenty of pow to be had. Over in North America the tables have finally turned in their favour, Colorado has just experienced the best storm since the turn of the century and the forecast is looking better for a previously desolate California.
Read on for the breakdowns…
Breckenridge, under 47″ of new snow Image:: Breckenridge
TOP 5 FORECAST TOTALS THIS WEEK (7-DAYS)
1. Niseko, Japan – 44 cm
2. Hakuba, Japan – 30 cm
3. Aspen, Colorado – 27 cm
4. Vail, Colorado – 20 cm
5. Snowbird, Utah – 17 cm
*As at 2/2/14
Canada
A fairly mediocre three weeks for Whistler Blackcomb and most of the Coastal Region, with only a 128 cm base and 3m of cumulative snowfall – although, Whistler still has 8000 acres of terrain open. Over in the interior ranges, Revelstoke, Big White and the Banff resorts received about 10 cm during last week, providing a much needed refresh. Temperatures remain cold across Canada, so the snow is holding up well.
Revelstoke looking incredible atop a valley inversion Image:: Revelstoked
The interior resorts remain the pick of Canada, and Fernie, Revelstoke, Whitewater and Red Mountain are all offering great skiing. The terrain parks in Whistler are in great shape, with plenty of good skiing on the early morning groomers.
Whistler parks have never been in better shape Image:: Coast Photo
USA
Colorado has just experienced their best storm since the turn of the century – EPIC. As of today, they’ve received 47″ of new snow in the past 7 days at Breckenridge, and other resorts like Aspen and Vail aren’t far off that either. Mammoth has received about 12″ of new snow, which will allow them to begin thinking of getting more terrain open, but really it will hinge on the next storm. California has only received 122cm of cumulative snowfall since October. Utah has received up to a foot of new snow over the last few weeks, keeping snow quality high, though more snow would be appreciated.
Winter storm Nika is leading to another vast cold outbreak and heavy snowfalls across the Northeast, which should bring decent snow to East coast resorts like Stowe, Sugarbush and Sugarloaf with totals of up to 30cm. Up in the Pacific North West there have been a few inches of new snow, with cold temps and steady top-ups forecast over coming days.
The ever-glorious Chamonix on Feb 1st Image:: Michael Rey
Europe
The last week or so has seen vast improvements in snow totals and quality across Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy. Most areas received between 40 and 50cm of new snow last week. Plenty of great skiing on offer, including epic powder beyond the resort boundaries. The variation in temperatures that has been experienced in the Alps since November is playing havoc with the stability, so be sure to carry correct Avalanche safety equipment and always use a local guide.
The 2014 Winter X Games were run and won in Aspen last week. Giving audiences a preview of what to expect ahead of next week’s Sochi games. Here, Danny Davis sends it in front of some screaming fans. Image:: X Games
Events
The pinnacle of Winter Sports, the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics kicks off with the Mens and Womens Slopestyle Qualifiers slated for Thursday 6 February… Full schedule online soon.
Where We Would Like To Be This Week
Amongst the craziness that will ensue on the commencement of the 2014 Winter Olympics, go team AUS!
Lake Louise forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Heavenly forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Big White forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Whistler forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Vail forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Steamboat forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Fernie forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Snowbird forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Sun Peaks forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Park City forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Mammoth forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
