WORLD SNOW WRAP – Polar Vortex
The Euro perspective, on the t-bar in Austria Image:: Hintertux Gletscher
Mountainwatch | World Snow Wrap
Well, a lot has changed in three weeks, and while it is mostly positive, this winter is not exactly tracking as it should. While a polar vortex has sent temperatures plummeting in the North Eastern United States and Canada – to the extent of a frozen Niagara Falls and icebergs floating on the Hudson River – it hasn’t translated to snow falling where we want it.
Charles Reid, sending it while training in Whistler Image:: Pat Hui
Europe has finally been graced with some much needed snow, and the last week has seen some incredible skiing. Following the storm though, temperatures rose and the weather more closely resembles what we would see in Spring. Read on for the breakdowns…
TOP 5 FORECAST TOTALS THIS WEEK (7-DAYS)
1. Whistler, British Columbia – 124 cm
2. Niseko, Japan – 111 cm
3. Lake Louise, Alberta – 41 cm
4. Fernie, British Columbia – 39 cm
5. Big White, British Columbia – 38 cm
*As at 10/1/14
Canada
Dry December smashed most resorts in Canada, Whistler was hit especially hard by a dry month with almost no significant snowfall. They’re now sitting on a base of only 115cm (1650m). Since New Years however, things have improved for B.C’s coastal resorts. As in the above video, Whistler received 24cm in 24 hours, which really helped to turn things around. Over in the Purcell, Kootenays and the Rockies, Revelstoke, Big White and the Banff resorts also picked up snow from in the last week, providing some great pow days. The dry season means lots of hazards out of bounds, so if you’re headed over in the next little while, take it easy.
You’ll never tire of that view Image:: Coast Mountain Photography
The interior resorts remain the pick of Canada, and Fernie, Revelstoke, Whitewater and Red Mountain are all offering great skiing. More snow is expected throughout the rest of this week.
Revelstoke offers some of the steepest inbounds terrain in Canada. Plus some epic backcountry access Image:: Revelstoke
USA
Colorado has been experiencing frequent snowfalls and the top ups are contributing to a mostly average season so far. They are however, doing a hell of a lot better than Californian resorts. Utah is continuing along a fairly average trend, the mid-December storm snow is ensuring lots of terrain remains open. East Coast resorts are cleaning up thanks to the Polar Vortex superstorm, although temperatures have plummeted, so conditions are less than pleasant. Stowe, Sugarbush and Sugarloaf were looking at -16 degree temperatures at the time of writing.
Mt Baker had 40 cm today, with a further snowfall expected tomorrow, so the snow magnet is strong in that one. The rest of the PNW resorts can expect to get hammered over the next week or so. Jackson Hole is also currently copping it, with decent falls expected over the weekend. They have had over 15 feet of snow thus far, which is cool. California are still hurting, so much snow that FIS events have been moved up to Breckenridge due to lack of snow.
Stunning mountain vistas are half the draw-card for Chamonix, and the skiing’s not bad either. Image:: Chamonix
Europe
Warm temperatures over the last few days have dampened spirits since the powder snow of last week, so head high to get the best snow. Italy has managed to dodge the warmer temps somewhat, and so the skiing remains the best in the Dolomites region. A dusting of snow is expected across the weekend up high in the European alps, predominately affecting Italy, so head high on the glaciers to make the most of it. French resorts received the most from last weeks storm, so head high and out of bounds to score.
Summary
The first week of January has seen improvements to all areas with the exception of Europe where things have warmed. It is only early January though, so we have a long way to go. If you’re into street riding, anywhere in the NE of the US would have prime conditions for some urban shredding this week.
Events
Freestyle athletes are now focusing on Sochi qualification and posting some solid results at the FIS Freestyle World Cup/Visa USSA Grand Prix slopestyle and halfpipe competition in Breckenridge.
Where We Would Like To Be This Week
Mt Baker, bottomless pow and steeps; everything you need…
Lake Louise forecasts,
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Whistler forecasts,
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Vail forecasts,
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Steamboat forecasts,
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Fernie forecasts,
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Snowbird forecasts,
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Sun Peaks forecasts,
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Park City forecasts,
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Mammoth forecasts,
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