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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.