How much snow will fall during the winter of 2022/2023? Where in the mountains will there be the most snow? How much snow is expected, and when? In this article, you will read all about the essential part of your winter sports holiday: snow. You will learn everything there is to know about snow conditions in the Alpine ski resorts and conditions in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. This blog will give you an advance snow forecast for 2022/2023 so you know when to expect the best piste conditions during the upcoming winter sports season. Check the current snow levels here ›
How much snow ski season 2022/2023 will bring us, we cannot yet predict. It is now August, the year is halfway, and winter is getting closer and closer. Just a very short wait, and the ski season of the first glacier ski areas will start again. After that, it won't be long before all the other ski areas also open their lifts and slopes. We can't wait to go there again! How about you? After a sweltering summer, it's high time for some freezing temperatures. Last year, early October saw the first heavy snowfall. Will it be as early as September this year? Overall, the snowfall was often heavy during the past ski season.
January and February are the snowiest months in the Alps. From March on, the snow starts melting again. An advantage of the higher temperatures is that you often ski in beautiful weather during Easter. The overview below takes you through a year in the Alps in a bird's eye view. But as everyone knows, nothing is as unpredictable as the weather. Snow 2022/2023; hopefully, it will be a beautiful winter!
Do you want to go on winter sports holidays in January 2023? Then you will benefit from good snow quality. January is among the snowiest and coldest months of the winter sports season. Snow often paints the valleys white; there is a layer of snow on the rooftops, and snow levels are also substantial on the slopes. The average temperature in ski resorts is below freezing, keeping the snow top-quality. Keep in mind that it can also be quite cold this month. So in terms of skiwear, prepare yourself well when you hit the slopes. Winterberg also often offers excellent skiing in January. Due to the low number of sun hours, however, the pistes can be icy.
March marks the start of spring. Winter is officially over by the end of the month, and you can tell by the snow conditions. The days are getting longer, and the sun is more powerful and presents itself more often. In March, the average temperature is above freezing, so the snow melts significantly, especially in the valley. Downhill runs quickly become mushy, but conditions are fine on top of the mountain. A winter holiday in March 2023 is delightful. Calm returns after spring break, and the chances of having a nice lunch in the sun on a terrace increase. March is often also an ideal month for off-piste skiing.
March marks the start of spring. Winter is officially over by the end of the month, and you can tell by the snow conditions. The days are getting longer, and the sun is more powerful and presents itself more often. In March, the average temperature is above freezing, so the snow melts significantly, especially in the valley. Downhill runs quickly become mushy, but conditions are fine on top of the mountain. A winter holiday in March 2023 is delightful. Calm returns after spring break, and the chances of having a nice lunch in the sun on a terrace increase. March is often also an ideal month for off-piste skiing.
April is the month we look forward to the least. Not in terms of snow but because this month marks the end of the ski season for many ski resorts. After Easter, many lifts stop running, and the fun is over. However, April is a great month for winter sports. The pistes are wonderfully quiet, queues for ski lifts are almost non-existent, and the sun is often present. The downside is that especially the lower slopes get mushy quickly. Because of the sun and higher temperatures, the quality of the snow that previously fell during the 2022/2023 ski season decreases quickly. So, take advantage of the slopes, especially in the morning. The advantage of skiing in spring is the lovely warm sunshine.
By May, just about all the snow in the valleys has melted away, and the slopes are slowly turning green. What a contrast to the glacier ski areas, where temperatures are still below freezing. So, you can still spend a few days on the slats even this month. Skiing in spring is possible in numerous ski resorts. While the temperature in the valley is already heading towards 15 degrees, it is still pretty cold on the glacier.
1 June marks the start of meteorological summer. At 3,000 metres, however, the average temperature is still around freezing. So sometimes fresh snow even falls at this altitude! Skiing is still possible in a handful of ski resorts in June 2023. These usually include the Stubai Glacier, Stilfser Joch and Zermatt.
July is warm and sunny but also a wet month in the Alps. Average temperatures in the valleys are around 18 degrees, and the mercury rises above freezing on the highest peaks. There is also a risk of thunderstorms. Nevertheless, in July 2023, the slopes of the Hintertuxer Glacier and Saas-Fee, among others, are open. Skiing in July is ideal for anyone who can't get enough of skiing and snow.
Will there be snow in the summer of 2023? The answer is yes. This month, it may even snow occasionally as long as it is cold enough on top of the mountain. The other side of the story is that this month is high summer in the Alps. The sun is powerful, and temperatures are often high. Let's hope August 2023 will not be as hot as this year, as many summer ski resorts were forced to close early. Still, skiing in August is a possibility. Several ski resorts are open for summer skiing in the Alps. Set the alarm early and take advantage of the slopes, especially in the morning!
September is the month after the summer holidays. Slowly, everyone is thinking about winter sports and booking ski holidays again. This month, the first snowfalls high in the mountains are possible again. Glacier ski resorts start the ski season, which rekindles the winter sports flame. Will you be skiing in September 2023? Depending on the snow in 2023, the first glacier ski areas will start their ski season again.
In October, winter is getting closer and closer. Quite some ski resorts open their first lifts and slopes, and winter enthusiasts can enjoy a wonderful skiing holiday this month. October sees the first significant snowfall in the Alps. The average temperature in the valleys drops back towards 10 degrees. On the highest peaks, it can already freeze quite hard. In October, the pistes of the popular Sölden are already open again, and the new World Cup season starts.
In November, snow continues across the entire Alpine region. This month, heavy snowfall is not uncommon, even in the valleys. Depending on the amount of snow, sometimes even the slopes of Skiliftkarussell Winterberg or Feldberg can open again. The snowfall limit is usually around 1,500 metres, so by the end of November, quite a few ski resorts will already be open again. Skiing in November? Go for it!
And then the most beautiful month of the year: December. The month of Christmas and New Year, lights, Christmas markets and cosiness. But also the month when winter officially starts, and snow conditions can be variable. Will there be snow at Christmas? Let's hope so! From December, the average temperature in the valleys hovers near freezing again. White holidays are not guaranteed, but last year was a big hit. Snow-sure ski resorts in December are at least above 2000 metres - something to keep in mind when booking your winter sports holiday in December. Will we get a white Christmas in 2022 and 2023?
A snowflake weighs 4 milligrams and hits the slopes at a speed of 4 km/h. The biggest snowflake measured was a whopping 38 centimetres. For more information on snow 2022/2023, check the following links:
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
