As passionate winter sports enthusiasts, we’re constantly on the quest for the ultimate skiing or snowboarding experience. For us, it’s not just about carving turns down pristine slopes—it’s about immersing ourselves in the exhilarating embrace of snow-covered mountains. Yet, in a world where climate change is reshaping the very landscapes we love, our pursuit of the perfect powder day has become increasingly challenging.

Gone are the days when we could rely on traditional notions of snowfall patterns and seasonal consistency. Instead, we find ourselves grappling with the capricious whims of weather systems that seem to defy predictability. What was once a straightforward decision of which resort to visit has now become a complex calculus of climate data, snow forecasts, snow reports, and anecdotal accounts from fellow enthusiasts. It’s not just about where to find the deepest powder or the steepest terrain—it’s about finding ski resorts where snow conditions are reliably exceptional, week after week, season after season.

Erratic weather patterns and seasonal drift

The Alps are experiencing a warming trend that surpasses the global average, posing a complex puzzle for researchers to decipher. Beyond rising temperatures, concerns arise from unpredictable weather patterns, the looming threat of extreme weather events, and the unsettling phenomenon of stalled weather systems. Traditional seasonal norms are being disrupted, with winter’s coldest periods shifting from December to earlier months, and spring snowmelt accelerating, significantly shortening the ski season. Particularly in the Southern Alps, where snow depths typically trail behind those in the north, the decrease in snow depth below 1500 meters stands out as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to climate change.

Beyond the hype

Amidst these challenges, the quest for reliably snowy ski resorts frequently takes us to high-altitude destinations, where the allure of abundant, superior-quality snow is irresistible. However, even amidst the towering peaks and elevated slopes, variations in snow depth and quality persist among resorts, including those in close proximity. Assertions of guaranteed snow conditions, though appealing, may not always hold up to scrutiny, as they can be influenced by marketing tactics or an excessive dependence on artificial snow production.

As SkiWeather.eu, we’re your trusted guide in the quest for reliable snow. Over the past decade, our meticulous research and analysis have helped enthusiasts navigate the ever-changing landscape of snow conditions. Instead of just focusing on the snowiest resorts, we delve deep into factors like snow depth, snowfall, and temperature dynamics. By considering these nuances, we provide a clearer understanding of where to find reliable or exceptional conditions. With over 1,500 ski resorts scored based on key metrics, we offer a comprehensive view of snow reliability, empowering winter sports enthusiasts to make informed decisions for their adventures on the slopes.

Temporal fingerprint

In our endeavor to assess snow reliability across alpine ski resorts, we employ advanced machine learning techniques to unravel the intricate dynamics of snow depth, snowfall, precipitation, and temperature over the past decade. Our approach encompasses data from both high and lower altitudes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of snow conditions across diverse terrains.

At the core of our methodology lies timeseries clustering, a powerful method that allows us to uncover hidden patterns and variability within the multidimensional space of meteorological data. By scrutinizing these patterns, we gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms shaping snow conditions, enabling us to discern trends and anomalies across different resorts.

To refine our analysis and enhance its interpretability, we utilize dimensionality reduction techniques. This process not only condenses the data but also enables us to quantify the relative distances between ski resorts based on their snow condition and weather pattern profiles. Resorts with similar patterns and conditions are situated closer in this reduced feature space, providing a clear visualization of their similarities and differences. By leveraging these insights, we empower winter sports enthusiasts to make informed decisions when choosing their ski destinations, considering factors like snow reliability and weather dynamics amidst the diverse landscapes of the Alps.

Micro-climate mosaic

The map below serves as a visual representation of all ski resorts included in our study, each delineated to denote its distinct micro-climate profile. These classifications capture the subtle climatic nuances inherent in each resort’s surroundings. Notably, the map illustrates a discernible north-south division along the primary Alpine ridge, further stratified by distinctions between the Western and Eastern Alps. However, within this overarching geographic framework, we observe significant intra-regional differentiation, indicating varied impacts of storm fronts on sub-regional climates. An illustrative example is evident in the Northern Alps, where diverse climate profiles or clusters emerge, influenced in part by the region’s susceptibility to Föhn winds. This disparity is particularly pronounced in regions like Tirol and Vorarlberg in the Northern Alps, where micro-climatic variations can be substantial even among resorts located in close proximity. A pivotal revelation from our analysis is the acknowledgment that geographical proximity between ski resorts does not necessarily imply uniform weather patterns or snow conditions.

Snow stars

The findings of our thorough analysis have yielded a more robust and reliable ranking system. The 2024 ranking of snow-sure ski resorts showcases significant changes compared to previous years. While Schrocken Warth consistently held the top position from 2016 to 2018, closely followed by Obertauern, the emergence of Val Thorens in 2022 marked a notable shift. In 2024, Val Thorens further solidified its dominance, surpassing all other contenders to claim the coveted first place, underscoring its exceptional snow reliability.

The rankings also witnessed fluctuations in the positions of other resorts, with Sankt Christoph consistently maintaining a strong presence. However, Tignes surged ahead in 2024 to claim the second spot, reflecting its enduring appeal among winter sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, resorts like Montgenevre and Les Arcs demonstrated their resilience, maintaining their positions within the top ranks across multiple years. Overall, the evolving rankings underscore the dynamic nature of snow conditions and the importance of continuous assessment in selecting optimal ski destinations.

The most snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps*

 20162017201820222024
1.Schrocken WarthSchrocken WarthSchrocken WarthVal ThorensVal Thorens
2.ObertauernObertauernObertauernSankt ChristophTignes
3.Val ThorensVal ThorensVal ThorensObertauernSankt Christoph
4.MadesimoSankt ChristophMontgenevreTignes Val dIsèreObertauern
5.Sankt ChristophVal dIsère TignesSankt ChristophSchrocken WarthVal dIsère
6.Val dIsère TignesMadesimoVal dIsère TignesBreuil CerviniaMontgenèvre
7.Lech ZursLes ArcsMadesimoLa RosièreLes Arcs
8.Peisey VallandryLech ZursLech ZursAndermattBreuil Cervina
9.Passo TonalePeisey VallandryLes ArcsLes ArcsSchrocken Warth
10.La PlagnePasso TonaleLa PlagneHochsöldenLa Rosière

*) It’s worth noting that this ranking includes ski resorts that are not full glacier ski resorts.

For a comprehensive overview, SkiWeather.eu has organized the top 500 resorts into rank classes, each consisting of ten resorts. Rank class I ski resorts are deemed the most snow reliable in the Alps and represent a highly reliable choice for your next ski holiday. However, it’s worth noting that ski resorts in lower-rank classes may have a lower likelihood of deep, high-quality snow or a shorter ski season. Nevertheless, they remain excellent options when conditions align favorably—especially as weather patterns exhibit increased variability. Additionally, these resorts often offer more budget-friendly pricing…

See the entire ranking lists consisting of the top 500 snow-sure ski resorts (or the top-100 as png).

Insights from premier ski resorts

Val Thorens, nestled in the Tarentaise Valley within the Savoie region, benefits from its strategic high-altitude location, ranging between 2300 and 3200 meters, which solidifies its reputation as the premier snow-sure destination. With the vast majority of its ski area situated above the 2000-meter mark, the resort guarantees outstanding snow depth and quality throughout its extensive operating season. Additionally, Val Thorens benefits from a favorable geographical orientation, featuring a substantial proportion of north-facing slopes (42%). North-facing slopes receive less direct sunlight, preserving the snowpack by slowing down the melting process. This orientation helps maintain snow quality and coverage, particularly during warmer intervals or in the spring. The presence of two glaciers within Val Thorens further adds to its snow reliability. and enabling it to provide a snow guarantee. On average, a significant percentage of winter days have a snow depth exceeding 150cm (64%), with a notable portion exceeding 200cm (41%). These figures illustrate the consistent snow accumulation that Val Thorens experiences.

Val Thorens: deep and excellent quality snow

Ranked closely behind Val Thorens, Tignes, situated in the Savoie region, secures its position as the second most snow-sure resort. Tignes is renowned for its exceptional altitude, with a substantial portion of its ski area reaching heights of 2000 meters and beyond (88%). This elevated elevation ensures a prolonged and reliable ski season, with abundant snow cover maintained throughout much of the year. Tignes features a substantial proportion of north-facing slopes, comprising 37% of its terrain, which helps to preserve snow quality by reducing the rate of melting. Similar to Val Thorens, the central ski area of Tignes forms a sheltered bowl, facilitating a consistent accumulation of snow cover. Tignes benefits from its geographical location within the Espace Killy ski area, which encompasses both Tignes and neighboring Val d’Isère. This expansive ski domain boasts a diverse range of terrain, including high-altitude glaciers, providing additional insurance against variable snow conditions and contributing to Tignes’ reputation for snow reliability. On average 63% of the days in winter have a snow depth above 150cm, 32% have a level above 200cm.

Sankt Christoph am Arlberg, located on the Arlberg pass, claims the third position on the snow-sure ranking. Sankt Christoph benefits from its elevated altitude and favorable geographical orientation, with 39% of it’s terrain over 2000 and the majority of its slopes facing north (27%) or east (23%). This strategic positioning ensures optimal snow retention and quality throughout the ski season, even in the face of fluctuating weather patterns. Additionally, Sankt Christoph’s access to high-altitude terrain making it a favored choice among discerning skiers and snowboarders seeking exceptional snow conditions. On average 61% of the days in winter have a snow depth above 150cm, 44% have a level above 200cm.

The Arlberg region enjoys a microclimate highly favorable for snowfall, situated at the core of the Austrian Alps where it intercepts moisture-rich air currents from multiple directions, including those originating from the Atlantic Ocean. Although the area generally benefits from this snow-promoting microclimate, its weather can be unpredictable, marked by significant variations in both temperature and precipitation. This variability has become more pronounced in recent years. Despite its reputation for boasting a favorable micro-climate characterized by substantial snowfall and low temperature, Schrocken Warth in the Arlberg region faced mounting challenges due to changing weather patterns. One significant factor contributing to Schrocken Warth’s decline in the snow-sure ranking is the rise in temperatures observed in recent years. This increase in temperature has led to a reduction in the overall snowpack and a shorter skiing season, diminishing the resort’s snow reliability and snow quality and impacting its appeal to winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, Schrocken Warth’s relatively lower altitude range, spanning from 1270 to 1494 meters, compared to other top-ranking resorts, exacerbates its vulnerability to temperature fluctuations and snow melt. As a result, the resort may struggle to maintain adequate snow cover on the lower slopes, particularly during periods of warmer weather or in the shoulder seasons. It’s noteworthy that the Arlberg region, in general, receives less precipitation with precipitation becoming more variable in recent years. This increased variability adds another layer of complexity to snow reliability for resorts within the region.

Finding your snow-sure haven

If your goal is to find a consistently snowy ski resort, consider prioritizing those associated with (in descending order) cluster IDs 6 (northern Alps), 3 (southwestern Alps), and to a lesser extent 4 (western Alps), or 7 (southeastern Alps). These clusters are renowned for hosting top-performing snow-sure destinations that consistently offer excellent snow quality. On average, the top 100 resorts boast an altitude range of 1390 to 2727 meters, providing favorable conditions for maintaining snow cover throughout the season. Additionally, these resorts typically offer impressive snow depths of 96 cm on the lower slopes and 175 cm on the upper slopes, ensuring ample snow coverage and good-quality snow for winter sports enthusiasts. Moreover, prioritizing resorts with average temperatures below freezing is recommended, as colder temperatures aid in preserving the snowpack and extending the ski season. By targeting resorts within these specific cluster IDs, you can enhance your chances of discovering a snow-sure destination that delivers optimal snow conditions for your winter sports adventures.

ClusterRegionAltitudeAlt. min.Alt. Max.Snow valleySnow mountainSt. dev>=150cmTemploTemphi
6northwestern Alps210213002902741508531-7.0-0.2
3southwestern Alps103510353300751518334-5.61.1
2southwestern Alps140014002700661287823-4.82.2
5northeastern Alps6155771210591206817-3.63.3
8northwestern Alps116011091791511026415-2.93.6
1northeastern Alps7157151078531045613-2.14.7
4western Alps122010002000621377829-3.51.8
7southeastern Alps110010002043561137417-5.1-2.7

It’s important to acknowledge that different weather influences can impact snow conditions across mountain regions. For instance, in the northwestern Alps (cluster 6 and 8), weather plays a significant role in shaping snow conditions and skiing experiences. The region is more susceptible to the warming influences of the Atlantic Gulf stream resulting in increased precipitation and a heightened risk of rain at lower-altitude ski resorts. Moreover, its complex topography create a diverse weather landscape, impacting snowfall patterns and temperatures across various ski resorts. During the winter season, prevailing weather systems from the west and northwest bring the bulk of snowfall to the northwestern Alps. While western winds ensure widespread snow coverage, northwesterly winds may struggle to reach certain areas, influencing the distribution of snow across the region. Additionally, the northern Alps experience occasional weather anomalies, such as Föhn winds or retour d’est events. Föhn winds, originating from the southwest, can bring mild temperatures and precipitation to higher elevations, affecting snow quality and ski conditions. In contrast, retour d’est events, characterized by easterly or south-easterly airflows, favor specific areas like Haute Maurienne, the far south-east of the Savoie and eastern Vanoise with enhanced snowfall, offering opportunities for exceptional powder days.

Resorts nestled within the southwestern Alps (Cluster 3) exhibit notable fluctuations in snowfall patterns due to their close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This geographic adjacency engenders a nuanced interplay of atmospheric dynamics, profoundly shaping snow accumulation and skiing conditions across the region. The influence of the Mediterranean imparts distinct characteristics to the winter climate, often resulting in varied snowfall throughout the season. The most significant snowfalls are generated when the weather comes from between the west and south. The one major exception is the border areas of the far south-east of the French Alps, like Isola 2000, which get their biggest snowfalls from the east or south-east in a retour d’est. With mild maritime air masses periodically affecting the area, temperatures tend to be moderated, albeit with occasional deviations. Consequently, snow conditions may become less predictable, with instances of rain occurring at lower elevations and wetter, heavier snow at higher altitudes, impacting the skiing experience for visitors. However, despite the inherent variability influenced by Mediterranean proximity, the southwestern Alps boast resilience and advantageous snowfall dynamics. During episodes of cold fronts or intense storms fueled by moisture-laden air masses from the Mediterranean, the region experiences substantial snowfall.

In the eastern sector of the Southern Alps (Cluster 7), which encompasses areas like the Dolomites, weather dynamics are influenced by a complex interplay of geographical and climatic factors. Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea introduces variability in weather patterns, with the Genoa Low serving as a significant atmospheric feature driving moisture-laden air masses into the region. Despite this, recent years have witnessed prolonged periods characterized by diminished snowfall, presenting challenges to the ski industry in the area. This variability in precipitation, coupled with fluctuations in temperature and atmospheric pressure, contributes to a dynamic snowfall regime and variable skiing conditions in the Eastern Southern Alps.

Snow seekers’ guide

Despite the obstacles presented by erratic weather patterns, there remain avenues to discover outstanding snow conditions in the Alps. Ski resorts located in clusters characterized by elevated altitudes and advantageous weather patterns present enticing prospects for unforgettable skiing escapades. Conversely, even in regions with historically less snow reliability, optimal skiing experiences are still attainable given the right atmospheric conditions. Through vigilance in monitoring weather forecasts and adaptability in selecting resorts, winter sports enthusiasts can enhance their opportunities to encounter optimal snow conditions and create lasting memories on the slopes. SkiWeather.eu stands ready to provide comprehensive insights into snow conditions across the Alps, aiding in informed decision-making for ski enthusiasts.

When it comes to skiing, one thing you really do need over anything else, is snow. You don’t necessarily need a massive amount of it, but there’s nothing quite as bad as having an expensive ski holiday spoiled by a poor snow cover or soggy snow! With climate change and global warming very much a reality, snow conditions in ski resorts are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Consequently, many enthusiasts are gravitating towards ski areas known for consistent snowfall to ensure a gratifying skiing or snowboarding experience.

But where to go? Which are the best snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps?

The Alps, a prime skiing destination, are subject to the impacts of climate change, an issue often overlooked by wintersport enthusiasts. However, it’s undeniable that the changing climate is reshaping the skiing landscape. Notably, several small low-altitude Swiss and French resorts have already become unviable, and for similar ski resorts it is getting harder and harder to provide a good-quality snow cover during the ski season.

The warming of the Alps is occurring at a pace faster than the global average, a phenomenon not yet fully understood by researchers. The primary concern isn’t just the rising temperatures but also the erratic nature of weather patterns, extreme weather events, and stalled weather systems. Additionally, a phenomenon known as seasonal drift has altered the coldest periods in the Alps, pushing them from December to the early months of the year. Spring snow melt is occurring earlier in the year, effectively shortening the ski season. In the Southern Alps, which typically receive less snow than their northern counterparts, there’s been a more significant decrease in snow depth below 2000 meters. Regional trends sometimes differ considerably. So, what can we learn from the recent past?

Given these changes, the quest for snow-sure ski resorts often leads to high-altitude locations where deeper and higher-quality snow is more likely. However, disparities in snow depth and quality are still evident among different resorts. Claims of snow surety by many resorts may not always be substantiated and could be influenced by marketing strategies or over-reliance on artificial snow-making.

There’s a trend among various winter websites and blogs to compile lists of snow-sure ski resorts, which entails in arguable and unsubstantiated claims of the ‘snowiest ski resorts’. Such rankings often leave out numerous viable alternatives, raising questions about their accuracy and the data sources used.

The focus on a top ten means that a lot of interesting snow-sure alternatives are left out-of-scope and umentioned. That does not seem to be fair. We would like to know what can be said about the level of snow reliability of neighbouring ski resorts and those at lower altitude.

Not the snowiest, but the most snow-sure

Addressing these issues, SkiWeather.eu has embarked on extensive research over the past decade, analyzing a vast array of snow and weather data (over 30 million records) from multiple sources. The objective is to assess ski resorts based on a combination of snow depth and temperature. This approach differs from merely identifying the snowiest resorts; it focuses on consistent snow conditions throughout the ski area, especially considering that snow depth at higher elevations doesn’t always reflect the conditions lower down.

In this research, over 1,500 ski resorts were evaluated based on weekly average snow depth on both lower and upper slopes, along with temperature variance. This method considers both the quantity and quality of snow, as well as consistency in temperature. To provide a balanced assessment, the snow depth on upper and lower slopes was weighted differently, with more emphasis on lower slope conditions and temperature to counterbalance heavy snow accumulation at higher elevations. The variability in snow depth data and temperature were also factored into the scoring to mitigate any anomalies.

The ranking

The results of this comprehensive analysis led to a more robust and reliable ranking system. In 2022, the French ski resort Val Thorens in the Trois Vallees. n the Trois Vallees emerged as the most snow-sure resort. It boasts a ski condition track-record in both snow depth and temperature levels compared to other resorts. Val Thorens, with its high altitude (2300-3200 meters), exemplifies an ideal snow-sure destination. Nearly all its ski area is above 2000 meters, ensuring excellent snow quality throughout its long season. The resort’s location, with a high proportion of north-facing slopes and access to two glaciers, further bolsters its snow reliability, allowing it to offer a snow guarantee.

The research also highlighted significant changes in the rankings of other resorts.

Val Thorens: deep and excellent quality snow

Conversely, Schrocken Warth, once a top contender, has seen a decline in its ranking since 2018. Despite its well-known micro-climate, which typically results in significant snowfall and low temperatures, recent years have seen this resort grappling with higher temperatures. Its relatively lower altitude (1270-1494 meters) compared to other top-ranking resorts adds to its challenges.

In the top 200 rankings, the Dolomites ski resorts have witnessed a considerable decline due to reduced snowfall in the eastern part of the Southern Alps in recent years. Similarly, the Lombardian Madesimo has gradually moved down the top 10, indicative of the challenging snow conditions faced by many Italian ski resorts.

The overall score resulted in the following ranking for the ski resorts with at least 50km of slopes.

The most snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps

 2016201720182022
1.Schrocken WarthSchrocken WarthSchrocken WarthVal Thorens Les Menuires
2.ObertauernObertauernObertauernSankt Christoph
3.Val ThorensVal ThorensVal ThorensObertauern
4.MadesimoSankt ChristophMontgenevreTignes Val dIsère
5.Sankt ChristophVal dIsère TignesSankt ChristophSchrocken Warth
6.Val dIsère TignesMadesimoVal dIsère TignesBreuil Cervinia
7.Lech ZursLes ArcsMadesimoLa Rosière
8.Peisey VallandryLech ZursLech ZursAndermatt
9.Passo TonalePeisey VallandryLes ArcsLes Arcs
10.La PlagnePasso TonaleLa PlagneHochsolden

To offer a comprehensive view, SkiWeather.eu has categorized the top 200 resorts into rank classes, each containing ten resorts. Rank class I ski resorts can be considered as the most snow-sure in the Alps and, are a very safe bet as a destination for your next ski holiday. Please note that although ski resorts in the lower-rank classes may have a lower chance at having deep and high-quality snow or a shorter ski season, they are still a very good option when the conditions are right; when there is a (positive) deviation from the long-term trend, which happens more often as weather systems meander more frequently. Moreover, the price level in these resorts is usually much lower…

See the entire ranking lists consisting of the top 250 snow-sure ski resorts (or the top-50 as png).

These are the most reliable or snow-sure ski resorts:

Val Thorens (2300-3200m)
At an altitude of 2300m, resorts don’t get much higher than this. 99% of the ski area is positioned above 2000m which ensures the best quality snow during its long season. Val Thorens is with a doubt an excellent bet for good snow conditions. Europe’s highest major skiresort is naturally one of the continent’s most snowsure right from the start to the end of winter. As well as the altitude advantage, Val Thorens also has a high proportion of north-facing slopes and access to not one, but two glaciers. Val Thorens is so confident of its snow cover it offers a snow guarantee.

Sank Christoph am Arlberg (1740-2811m)
Located in the famous Arlberg region and sandwiched in-between Lech, Stuben and Sankt Anton -which are all very snow sure resorts- tiny Sankt Christoph adds altitude to the equation. Settled in front of the Flexenpass at an altitude of 1740m it is one one of the best destinations for early or late season skiing in Austria.

Obertauern (1650-2320m)
Austria’s only purpose-built resort also comes with its own micro-climate and was cleverly positioned just so for access to the finest snow. Long term records reveal a snowfall average in Obertauern of nearly 8m, with the encircling peaks of the Niedere Tauern mountain range causing an ice-bucket effect that keeps temperatures super low.

Tignes and Val dIsere (1550-3456m)
Tignes sits above the treeline at 2100m with a top lift height of 3456m on the Grande Motte. Tignes is open before all other ski resorts in Europe and is the last to close its tracks. Like neighbouring Tignes Val d’Isere can get significant snow from storms of both Atlantic and Mediterranean origin. Tignes and Val dIsere are amongst the most reliable resorts in Europe for good snow due to the extent of high altitude skiing (60% of its 300km of slopes are above 2500m).

Schrocken-Warth (1270-2450m)
With it’s own micro-climate making things colder and more precipitous than others in the area, Warth-Schrocken averages over 10m of snowfall each year. Long term records taken at just 1600m show a seasonal average of nearly 11m of snow. Even in bad years Schrocken and Warth are snowier than many of it’s higher-altitude rivals.

Breuil Cervinia (1520-3820)
At 2050m, Breuil Cervinia is one of the highest resorts in the Alps, guaranteeing excellent, snow-sure skiing throughout the season and into summer.

La Rosiere (1176-2800)
La Rosière is the snowiest ski resort in the Tarentaise. La Rosiere has the benefit of being sited on the sunnier yet still snow-sure southern side of the domain, This is explained by its exposed position perpendicular to storms funnelling up the valley from the west.

Andermatt (1445-2965)
Andermatt has a big reputation for snow that few Alpine ski resorts can rival. Key to this is the way it benefits from storms arriving from different directions. The resort is equally likely to get dumped on from the north, the west or the south, and is therefore an excellent place to hedge your bets. The main Gemsstock mountain is also high and shady, so the snow that does fall sticks around, and is often in good condition.

Les Arcs (1800-3225)
The snow-sure, high altitude resort of Les Arcs is an excellent end of season destination. The skiing rises as high as 3225m on the Aiguille Rouge summit, and in good conditions stretches down to the tree lined pistes at 1200m. It’s an excellent variety of terrain.

Passo Tonale (1200-3016m)
Tonale is a high-altitude resort perched in a wide, open expanse that is both snow-sure and sunny. It is actually one of Italy’s highest resorts and is guaranteed good snow and a long season. Presena is the glacier just south of Passo Tonale which sits at over 2700m, so this coupled with the generous snowfall makes Tonale the perfect spot for powder seekers. Incidentally, Tonale is one of the cheapest snow sure destinations.

Operations level

The table presented below displays the average operational percentages for ski slopes and ski lifts during the ski season. These figures serve as indicators of the likelihood that the entire ski area may not be fully operational on any given day. Factors influencing this include adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and avalanches, or issues related to the age and maintenance of ski lift systems. Notably, resorts like Val Thorens, Les Arcs, and Obertauern have demonstrated a consistent track record of high operational levels, underscoring their reliability in terms of ski area accessibility.

 SlopesLifts
1.Val Thorens80%80%
2.Sankt Christoph63%78%
3.Obertauern87%84%
4.Tignes Val dIsere74%76%
5.La Rosiere79%82%
6.Schrocken Warth71%78%
7.Breuil Cervinia67%68%
8.Les Arcs82%86%
9.Andermatt73%76%
10.Passo Tonale65%75%

Micro-climate

In our expanded research on snow reliability at ski resorts, we delved into the spatial variability of complete snow depth and temperature time series. This analysis aimed to identify resorts with similar micro-climate profiles.

The accompanying map presents all the ski resorts covered in our study, marked to indicate their micro-climate profiles. These identifications are based on a time series-profile analysis conducted over a decade. The map illustrates a classic north-south division along the main Alpine ridge and distinguishes between the Western and Eastern Alps. However, within this geographical layout, there’s noticeable differentiation, suggesting that storm fronts impact sub-regional climates differently. A prime example of this is the Northern Alps, especially the area below the Bodensee, such as The Arlberg region, which exhibits a diverse range of climate profiles or clusters, partly due to the region’s susceptibility to Fohn winds.

The key takeaway is the realization that proximity between ski resorts doesn’t necessarily equate to similar weather patterns and snow conditions. This is particularly evident in the Northern Alps regions like Tirol and Vorarlberg, where micro-climates can vary significantly even among closely situated resorts.

The cluster id is included in the snow-sure ranking.