Sunny and very warm - the not so perfect holiday conditions! by Susan Powell
Basking in glorious sunshine and soaking up the heat are first thoughts for most of us when packing the suitcases... However conditions just like these may well give a shaky end to the extended ski season across Europe!
It was a slow start for European skiers this season with many resorts dependant on snow making in the first weeks. However, December and January soon make up the deficit and many European resorts saw their heaviest snow in around a decade.
The recent cold snap (around two weeks ago) topped things up even further as icy air spread over central Europe and more heavy snow fell over the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and much of the Alps. This was much to my delight as it was just in time for my holiday last week when I was whizzing down perfectly groomed slopes in Austria!
My week started on the chilly side as expected - but by Wednesday the normal layers of holiday attire were being rapidly cast aside. Temperatures soared to just short of 20C (high 60's F) on some slopes and tee-shirts and sun block were the order of the day.
By departure day the resort was a very different looking place to one we arrived in. In the space of one week the landscape had transformed from a frozen white winter wonderland to waterfalls and spring pastures awakening.
For the Austrians this is welcome relief from what has been a very harsh winter. For tour operators though the worry is just beginning. In response to the amazing conditions of just a couple of weeks ago many tour operators have decided to add and additional week to their season, with dates now available into the second week of April. But will any snow be available?
Fortunately there is still plenty lying in most areas but no fresh falls are forecast. The air over the continent at the moment is so mild the only thing that would fall is rain! In the week ahead this at least should be scarce - most skiers should be soaking up the rays, but once again these will be pushing up the mercury as the thaw continues.
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