Snow, glorious snow! Stay updated with snow reports this Christmas

14 Dec, 2015 in Austria, France by Tim Jenkins
View of La Croisette 14th December 2015 ©LesMenuires.com

It’s that time of year again when all seems right in the ski and snowboard world. The snow has started to fall, thousands of snow cannons have purred into action, the cobwebs of beachside memories and the summer solstice have been blown away, and let’s not forget…tis’ the season for Christmas cheer! Now is the time to whip on those new ski goggles you bagged in the end of season sale, take the bold step of trying on that 80s-inspired one-piece ski suit and rock out in your bedroom mirror as the ski season and your trip to your very own winter wonderland is just around the corner. 

Christmas on the slopes

Christmas and snow goes hand in hand, but for those times when you’re not on the slopes it’s nice to know there is something else lifting the spirits. While schools may not be donning their Santa hats and staying at our resorts on Christmas Day, there is plenty to get involved with in and around resort over the festive period. 

Schools travelling to Austria have the chance to experience the traditions set within the famed Christmas Markets. While it may be too late to watch the German band Culcha Candela perform in Obertauern or see The Beach Boys kick-start the season in Ishgl, there are still numerous opportunities for students to experience the magic of winter in amongst the festive stalls selling handmade crafts and Christmas gifts. Experience the fruit punch, Christmas biscuits and seasonal snacks with friends on your school ski trip this winter. 

Snow Conditions

We always want to be in the know about the latest snow conditions and, while we have contact with in-resort staff, we consider the Snow Forecast website to be a great tool to check-up on the slopes. 

France

Alpe d’Huez has received a good base of snow just in time for the resort’s first arrivals. With some beautiful bluebird days and temperatures remaining low on top, snow cannons are in full operation so expect some idyllic scenes this winter. 

The popular Three Valleys ski area welcomes in the new season with some great snowfall. Always popular with our school groups, those staying at the Clubhotel Skilt at the base of La Criosette will be able to look out to the ski school area covered in the fresh pow. School groups joining the SkiBound team at the Clubhotel Piolet will similarly be able to marvel at the snow-drenched mountains from the terrace area as they psyche themselves up for time on the piste. Explore more views of Les Menuires here.

Austria

At the moment preparations are taking place for the ski openings throughout the Austrian Alps. As the weather has turned very cold, the snow cannons are producing artificial snow day and night to supplement the snowfall from the last few days. Combine this with the glacier skiing on offer, Austria continues to reshape itself year-on-year as the place to head to for a great experience on and off the slopes. 

Stay on top of your group’s school ski trip with up-to-date snow forecasts and webcam views of the slopes. We hope to see you all on the pistes soon…

About the Author

Tim Jenkins

A former primary school teacher, Tim has been writing for educational travel websites, educational publications and leisure magazines for the past three years. His first-hand experience in leading adventure residential trips and seeing the benefits of learning outside the classroom has further fuelled his interest into studying the impact of outdoor education on young learners. Always seeking his next trip to the slopes, Tim’s favourite ski resort is Les Menuires from where you can explore the Three Valleys ski area.