How Much Snow Should There Be for Skiing?

By Camille Poire | BLOG

Sep 15
how much snow should there be for skiing

If you are preparing for a skiing trip, there are a few things you need to know about the snow conditions. Knowing how much snow is necessary to ski in good conditions and have a successful snowsports trip this winter can save you time and money.

Although there is not a single answer, there are a few things to consider that will help give you a better idea of the conditions you should look out for when you hit the slopes.

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How Many Inches of Snow Should There Be?

The answer varies based on the region. For most resorts, you need 20 inches of snow at the very least to ski, but the particularly rocky resorts may need a lot more - even up to double.

If the resort has more rocks and fewer shrubs, it will need even more snow, so that the snow can make the ground softer and provide a smooth trail. A certain amount of snow needs to fall for runs to open.

When There Is Not Enough Snow

Some ski runs rely on snow cannons. Snow cannons are big guns and hoses that shoot out artificial snow to give skiers the best conditions for fun. If there is not enough natural snow, the resort may resort to the snow cannon instead, which may solve the problem and keep the runs open.

snow cannons

Other resorts will reduce the number of runs available until the snow has settled and the weather allows more snowfall. This may be frustrating, especially if you are a passionate skier who wants to take advantage of every opportunity to hit the slopes. It's always disappointing to book a trip to a ski resort that ends up having only half of its skiing area open.

However, you can watch weather reports carefully, and see which ski resorts are open for business. Then you can choose one that offers the runs you are looking for the most.

Can There Ever Be Too Much Snow?

It may not seem that too much snow would be something to complain about. However, if snow has been falling excessively, that can be a problem as well. It increases the risk of severe weather conditions, like an avalanche.

Consequently, the resort may be forced to close if it is not safe to ski. Too much snow can also be a problem during certain activities, like cross-country skiing races. In that situation, too much snow can change the conditions of the course.

snowplough preparing ski slopes

What Is the Best Time to Ski in Europe?

Europeans tend to go skiing the most from December to March. That tends to be the best time to ski in Europe. However, the weather tends to vary based on location, so be prepared for varying conditions in different parts of Europe at different times of the year.

January and February are great months for skiing, as snow tends to be plentiful. On the other hand, some resorts may be less busy after the holiday period, so late December, March, and April may be safer bets if you're looking for quieter slopes.

Find Out About the Weather in Advance

Get information about the current weather conditions before you travel to a ski resort. That way, you can be prepared for any surprises along the way. Make sure you check the forecast for the days you plan to travel.

If you are looking to travel to a popular location, there are ways to find out what the weather will be like in advance. For example, if you are heading to La Plagne in France this year, you can check out the snow forecast from Piste Pro for up-to-date information on the snow conditions and temperatures.

Knowing the weather in advance will help you to make an informed decision about when to travel, what to expect, and what to bring with you. Knowing what the weather is like can also help you to choose the right accommodation and activities for your ski trip.

skiers

Final Words

Whether you're a real ski lover, or a beginner skier/snowboarder who needs adequate snow conditions to learn in, it's important to take the weather and snowfall into account when deciding where to go. Skiing holidays can be fairly pricey, so you don't want to waste your money on a resort with a partially closed area or unenjoyable snowsports conditions.

We hope that this guide gave you a few pointers to help with your choice of resort and ideal time period for your skiing adventure!

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About the Author

Hey, I'm Camille! I'm a 30-something "ex-French" girl turned world explorer. In 2013, I quit my life to travel the world - and I haven’t stopped since! I have lived in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, and Colombia, and have visited 50+ countries as a location-independent travel writer and affiliate marketer. I like sleeping in hammocks, riding scooters, eating all the foods, and scaring my mother trying adventure sports! I now share this journey with my nomadic boyfriend Mr B, with whom I recently bought a home base in the mountains of Bansko, Bulgaria.

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