We are writing this article because, over the past few days, websites and print newspapers alike have been competing to come up with the most sensationalist headlines about the state of skiing in Italy…
“Snow apocalypse” and “total disaster” are just a few of the phrases being thrown around online and in the press—articles claiming that a day on the snow is out of the question because snow conditions are dramatic. But is that really the case?
We are certainly not claiming that everything is perfect or that it looks like a postcard winter wonderland out there; clearly, the ski season has gotten off to a tough start where natural snowfall is concerned, but it is equally true that this is not the first time it has happened and that conditions on the pistes are far from a write-off.
Is this the first time the Alps have been without natural snow in December?
Absolutely not. One of the trendy headlines in recent weeks claims that, according to certain “experts,” a situation like this had not been seen in “thousands of years.”
Sensationalist headlines that even some TV news broadcasts have repeated, forgetting that a lack of early-season snow is (unfortunately) nothing new and that there have been plenty of low-snow winters in the past. One example still fresh in skiers’ minds is just last year, when the season began without natural snow in the Dolomites—compounded by a temperature inversion that hampered artificial snowmaking.
We are no strangers to this situation; in fact, there have been far worse starts to winter, seeing as cold temperatures this year have at least allowed resorts to make plenty of snow.
Is it true that most ski areas are closed?
Reports also claim that most Alpine ski areas are closed due to lack of snow and that those that are open only have one or two runs available… That may have been true in late November, but it certainly is not true today: the vast majority of ski resorts are open, and scores of destinations are offering skiers 50% or more of their skiable terrain in impeccable condition.
A prime example is the opening of the Sella Ronda: the famous 4-pass ski circuit linking Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa is open across all 40 km despite the absence of natural snow.
Terrible slopes—is the skiing really that bad?
Anyone claiming the skiing is terrible either went skiing back in November or has not clicked into skis or a snowboard at all this season. Despite the lack of natural snow, the skiing is excellent across most Alpine ski resorts: the pistes are immaculately groomed and snow conditions on the trails are genuinely very good.
This is also thanks to favorable snowmaking conditions, including ample water reserves in the storage reservoirs and cold temperatures that have allowed resorts to produce large volumes of top-quality snow. Sub-zero temperatures have also allowed the snowpack to bond firmly without forming sheets of ice.
Obviously, ski mountaineering and freeriding are out of the question right now, but anyone looking to ski on-piste will not be disappointed.
Why all this alarmism?
While current weather patterns are certainly not ideal for ski resorts, we believe all this alarmism is unjustified—and ironically, it often comes from the very same outlets that publish sensational forecasts of record-breaking, snow-buried winters at the end of every summer.
As we know, the web and media often amplify sensational news in a race for clicks, which for many sites translates into higher traffic and greater ad revenue.
Part of this alarmism also comes from online trolls who enjoy stirring up arguments with provocative comments.
Final thoughts
Our intention is not to pretend that everything is ideal: the ski season has had a difficult start meteorologically, though things would be much worse without the cold temperatures…
Most ski areas are bending over backwards to guarantee great pistes for skiers and snowboarders, and as we receive daily reports from dozens upon dozens of readers, we can tell you that their hard work is widely appreciated and that countless skiers and snowboarders are having a great time on the slopes despite the lack of natural snow.
Our advice, therefore, is not to rely on random alarmist comments online, but to try the slopes for yourself or ask people who have actually been out skiing—while we all wait for natural snow to bring back that special atmosphere and magic that only real snow can provide.
Have your say by commenting on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mondoneve
No comments yet