At the same time, the conditions surrounding travel plans are changing rapidly. Snow coverage is dwindling, the dollar is losing value, and more U.S. based megapasses are Americans are using their megapasses overseas. Having spent several winters (and summers) in the Alps, I’m in a good place to consider everything the prospective American tourist needs to know when planning a trip.
With a super El Niño forecasted for the coming season, snow coverage at Alps resorts is likely to be more relevant this year than ever before. Like the Western U.S., seasonal models are forecasting a warm and wet winter for the continent. I’ll take that over a warm and dry winter, but it’s not ideal.
Once upon a time, slopes above 1,650 feet were plastered in snow on a regular basis, especially on the northern side of the Alps. Unfortunately, those days are over. That means some lower destinations are far less attractive than they used to be, especially for Americans who usually have to lock in flights and accommodation months in advance.
With 360 miles of pistes and essentially unlimited off-piste straddling both France and Switzerland, the ski area is one of the world’s largest ski domains. Despite the size, the resort peaks at just 7,200 feet. With base elevations of around 3,300 feet, many storms now bring rain to the lower slopes instead of snow.
These days, it’s not uncommon to have rain above 6,500 feet anywhere in the French Alps. Austria is somewhat more continental and protected when warm air surges from the south and west. However, many of its most famous ski resorts sit at relatively low altitudes, and skiing has taken a hit in recent years.
Kitzbühel, a big name in ski racing and one of the most famous Austrian resorts for Americans, is ideal in many ways. It embodies European skiing, with a beautiful base village, endless terrain, great après-ski, and a formidable ski history. It’s also on the Ikon Pass.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
