Ski News – 2008-2009 Bumper Snow Season so Far

If you have been cautiously waiting and watching to see if the snowfall across Europe and the Alps is going to last you may now have to scramble to find a late ski deal!  Snow has been falling steadily across European resorts and conditions are reported to be very good. There have been some blue sky and sunny days to enjoy it all too.  It is very cold – but cold is good – it means the snow won’t melt!

Resorts in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway are enjoying fresh snow and good conditions. Andorra has enjoyed some sunny skies with all runs open.  Germany has some good skiing too, with light snow expected this week. In Bulgaria conditions continue to improve with recent snowfall. Scotland is not faring so well – although it is extremely cold snow has not been arriving in sufficient quantities and Glencoe remains closed. 

Across the western U.S. conditions are good. Jackson Hole is getting serious snow with more forecast, but this much snow also comes with avalanche warnings. Utah is keeping the powder hounds very happy. Vail is reporting 11” of new snow in the last 24 hours. Breckenridge received 7” so it is fitting that their Ullr (Ooh-ler) festival is going on this week (Jan 4-10) to celebrate the mythical Norse God of Snow!  Further south, Taos, New Mexico is getting great snow with all lifts running and knee-deep powder reported recently.  The east coast resorts are struggling a bit, with warmer temperatures and rain, but many resorts are doing well.

Everyone is envious of Canada as they receive their massive dumps of snow. Whistler Blackcomb is getting serious snow, with no end in sight. A notice is posted on their website of ‘Extreme’ avalanche danger and they recommend on piste skiing only with no crossing of closure lines, plus backcountry skiing is not recommended. (Don’t forget it is the official venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics).

It is worth mentioning and reminding skiers that avalanche and other posted warnings at any ski resort (as at Jackson Hole and Whistler) should be taken seriously and obeyed.  It is also your responsibility to check for such warnings. Failure to do so and ‘willful exposure to peril’ could mean any associated claims against winter sports insurance will be denied!

Don’t miss out on all the action – visit our Ski Guides for the USA and Canada and then get your cheap quote for Ski Insurance.