While the early taste of winter that brought snow down to 1,000 m in mid-October raised the hopes of ski lovers, the forecasts released by several weather centers in recent hours leave little hope for those wishing for an imminent start to the ski season.
It looks like we will have to wait quite a while before clicking into our skis outside the glaciers, as the latest long-range projections point to persistent above-average temperatures and mild weather across the entire Alps.
Having to reckon with a distant winter are not only mid-altitude resorts, but even those close to 3,000 m. A prime example is Solda, forced to postpone its lift opening from its initial October 26 date to October 31.
Not only a delayed winter, but an autumn warmer than average also threatens to put lower-elevation ski resorts in serious difficulty.
Although the Dolomites will only open their first lifts in December, it is worth noting that programmed snowmaking has not yet begun—a well-established practice for many ski areas that take advantage of the first frosts to produce a base layer of snow on the slopes while awaiting the first natural snowfalls.
Snowfall above 2,000 m
Over the coming days, an Atlantic weather system is forecast that could bring snow to elevations around 2,000 m. According to some experts, there is a chance that this shift could break the deadlock and pave the way for Arctic outbreaks.
The first open ski lifts
At such a climatically challenging time, the glaciers come to our rescue.
In our beloved Alps, the glacier ski season is already underway: you can ski on the Presena Glacier, in Val Senales, and on the Italian-Swiss Plateau Rosà glacier.
Those looking for a wider selection can head to Austria, where there are already 8 ski resorts open for skiing.
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