Snow Report & 7-Day Ski Forecast 2025/26
Last updated: Tuesday 23 December 2025Season status: The Alps are now in full winter mode. Most major resorts are open, with lift and terrain availability changing day-to-day due to operational controls and ongoing snowfall. Always check each resort’s live lift status before you set off.
Quick Snow Summary
Late December is delivering proper mid-winter conditions across much of the Alps, with colder air, frequent top-ups at altitude and strong snowmaking windows on lower slopes. In many areas the base is now well established, and the best skiing is typically found on higher, north-facing terrain and in resorts with extensive uplift above 2,000m. Conditions can vary between neighbouring valleys (and even within the same resort), so for the strongest snow confidence this week, focus on high altitude, glacier-backed areas, and large, well-linked domains that can keep plenty of terrain open throughout the season.Where the Best Snow Is Right Now (Top 10 across the Alps)
Based on typical snow-sure performance at this stage of the season (altitude, aspect, glacier support and scale), these resorts consistently offer some of the strongest late-December conditions:
- Zermatt–Cervinia: Very high-altitude skiing with glacier support and excellent reliability.
- Val Thorens (3 Valleys): One of Europe’s highest resorts, delivering consistently strong late-December conditions.
- Tignes–Val d’Isère: Extensive high terrain, glacier access and plenty of north-facing slopes.
- Sölden: Glacier-backed skiing with a large amount of high, snow-sure terrain.
- Obergurgl–Hochgurgl: High alpine skiing with dependable early-to-mid winter snow coverage.
- Saas-Fee: High-altitude, glacier-supported skiing with excellent snow preservation.
- St. Anton–Arlberg: A vast interconnected area offering reliable conditions across its higher sectors.
- Verbier: Big-mountain skiing with the best conditions found on upper and shaded slopes.
- Les Arcs–La Plagne (Paradiski): Size and altitude combine to keep a wide range of terrain in good condition.
- Livigno: A cold, high valley resort known for excellent snow preservation.
Top Alpine Resorts for Snow Conditions Right Now
Here is a list of top picks across France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy that are typically strong in late December, combining altitude, coverage and overall ski offering:France
- Val Thorens (3 Valleys): High base resort with excellent snow security.
- Tignes: Glacier-backed skiing and altitude-driven reliability.
- Val d’Isère: High terrain with the strongest conditions on upper and north-facing slopes.
- Les Arcs: Wide altitude range with strong snow preservation higher up.
- La Plagne: Big terrain supported by extensive high sectors.
- Les 2 Alpes: Glacier-backed skiing with dependable early- to mid-season conditions.
- Chamonix (high sectors): Best conditions when upper mountain lifts are operating.
- Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil high point): Performs best during strong snowfall periods in the Northern Alps, with reliably good snow preservation.
Austria
- Sölden: Glacier-backed skiing with extensive high-altitude uplift.
- Obergurgl–Hochgurgl: One of Austria’s most snow-sure non-glacier areas.
- Ischgl: High, expansive terrain offering excellent snow reliability and long ski days.
- St. Anton–Arlberg: A huge interconnected network with consistently strong conditions across upper slopes.
- Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis: High plateau skiing with an excellent, well-maintained piste network.
- Saalbach–Hinterglemm–Leogang: One of the largest linked ski areas in the Alps, with strong coverage across its higher sectors during sustained cold spells.
Switzerland
- Zermatt: Very high-altitude skiing with outstanding snow reliability.
- Saas-Fee: Glacier-backed terrain and consistently cold conditions.
- Verbier: High alpine skiing with the strongest conditions on upper mountain sectors.
Italy
- Cervinia: High altitude skiing linked with Zermatt for extra snow security.
- Livigno: Cold, high valley skiing with excellent snow preservation.
- Val Gardena: Exceptional grooming and snowmaking; best when overnight temperatures remain cold.
- Madonna di Campiglio: Strong piste network that improves quickly during colder spells.
Snow Summary by Country / Region
| Country / Region | Current Situation | 7-Day Outlook | Best Bets Right Now | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France (Alps) | A strong late-December setup with the best skiing generally above 1,800–2,000m. Reliability is highest in Tarentaise resorts and glacier-backed areas, while lower villages benefit from consistent snowmaking during cold nights. | Continued winter pattern with further snowfall at altitude and good snowmaking conditions lower down. | Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Paradiski, plus high sectors of Portes du Soleil. | France Ski Transfers |
| Austria | Late December favours Austria’s higher Tirol and glacier areas, with excellent coverage and plenty of terrain available in large linked domains. | Seasonably cold with further snowfall chances and ongoing snowmaking opportunities. | Sölden, Obergurgl–Hochgurgl, Ischgl, Arlberg, Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis. | Austria Ski Transfers |
| Switzerland | Switzerland’s highest resorts continue to deliver some of the most reliable late-December skiing, particularly on upper and shaded slopes. | Intermittent snowfall at altitude and cold temperatures help preserve excellent coverage. | Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Verbier for dependable high-altitude skiing. | Swiss Ski Transfers |
| Italy | Best conditions remain in the higher Aosta Valley and cold inland valleys, while the Dolomites excel thanks to world-class grooming and snowmaking. | A seasonable outlook with cold phases supporting snowmaking and occasional snowfall on higher terrain. | Cervinia, Livigno and Dolomiti Superski areas. | Italy Ski Transfers |
| Scandinavia | Winter is well established, with reliable cold and consistently good piste conditions. | Stable winter conditions supporting continued terrain expansion. | Trysil, Hemsedal and Geilo. | Norway Ski Transfers |
| Japan | Peak winter conditions with excellent snowfall consistency, especially across northern regions. | Frequent snowfall continues to build coverage across major resorts. | Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, plus Hakuba and Shiga Kogen where snowfall is most active. | Japan Ski Transfers |
7-Day Alpine Snow Outlook ❄
- Next 24–48 hours: Cold conditions continue, with the best snow quality on high and shaded terrain.
- Midweek: A mix of clearer breaks and scattered snow showers depending on region, with strong snowmaking windows.
- Late week & weekend: Further snow spells are likely, refreshing upper slopes and supporting expanding terrain.
Snowfall Intensity Key
❄ = light | ❄❄ = moderate | ❄❄❄ = heavy | ❄❄❄❄ = very heavy| Resort | Country | Status | 7-Day Outlook | New Snow (Next 7 Days) | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens | France | Open | Cold at altitude with regular refreshers. Best skiing on upper slopes and high links across the 3 Valleys. | ❄❄❄ 15–30 cm | Book Now |
| Tignes | France | Open | Strong high-altitude coverage with reliable snow preservation. Best on Grande Motte and north-facing pistes. | ❄❄ 10–20 cm | Book Now |
| Val d’Isère | France | Open | High terrain skiing well with cold nights and periodic top-ups. Best conditions higher up and on shaded slopes. | ❄❄ 10–20 cm | Book Now |
| Les Arcs | France | Open | Good coverage building, strongest above 1,800m. Plenty of variety across altitude bands. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| La Plagne | France | Open | Wide network skiing well with a solid base. Best snow confidence in higher sectors and linked areas. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Les 2 Alpes | France | Open | Glacier-backed reliability with cold temperatures preserving cover. Best on upper mountain terrain. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Chamonix | France | Open | Best snow on higher sectors. Conditions depend on lift operations, with the strongest skiing up high. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Avoriaz | France | Open | Strong northern-Alps performer during colder spells. Best coverage on higher links and shaded slopes. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Sölden | Austria | Open | Cold week with reliable glacier skiing and expanding terrain. Upper slopes holding excellent snow quality. | ❄❄ 10–20 cm | Book Now |
| Obergurgl–Hochgurgl | Austria | Open | High and snow-sure with excellent preservation. Best across upper pistes and sheltered bowls. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Ischgl | Austria | Open | High mileage and strong snow reliability. Best conditions on upper cross-border terrain. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| St. Anton–Arlberg | Austria | Open | Strong coverage across higher sectors. Great variety when the full network is operating. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis | Austria | Open | High plateau skiing with strong snowmaking support. Best piste confidence on upper plateau runs. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Saalbach–Hinterglemm–Leogang | Austria | Open | A huge linked area skiing well, especially on higher loops. Snowmaking keeps key routes in great shape. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Zermatt | Switzerland | Open | Very high-altitude reliability with glacier support. Best snow quality on upper mountain terrain. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Saas-Fee | Switzerland | Open | Glacier-backed snow security with excellent preservation. Best on high, shaded pistes. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Verbier | Switzerland | Open | Best conditions on upper sectors and north-facing slopes. Strong snow confidence at altitude. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Engelberg | Switzerland | Open | Great short-break option. Best snow on higher terrain and shaded pistes; conditions hold well in cold spells. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Cervinia | Italy | Open | High-altitude reliability with access to extensive terrain. Best snow security on upper slopes and links. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Courmayeur | Italy | Open | Best on higher and shaded slopes, with excellent snow preservation in colder spells. | ❄ 3–10 cm | Book Now |
| Livigno | Italy | Open | Cold valley microclimate keeps snow in great shape. Strong piste confidence and good preservation. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Val Gardena | Italy | Open | Outstanding piste standards with strong snowmaking. Best when nights stay cold and the base remains firm. | ❄ 2–8 cm | Book Now |
| Madonna di Campiglio | Italy | Open | Solid piste coverage supported by snowmaking. Best on higher terrain during colder spells. | ❄ 2–8 cm | Book Now |
Quick Short-Break Ideas (3–5 days)
- Geneva → Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz / Morzine): Ideal for a fast getaway with big linked mileage during snowy periods. Transfers to Avoriaz.
- Geneva → Chamonix: A great short break option with varied high-mountain terrain. Transfers to Chamonix.
- Innsbruck → Ötztal (Sölden / Obergurgl): Snow-sure Austrian skiing with glacier support. Transfers to Sölden.
- Zurich → Engelberg: One of Switzerland’s most convenient short-break ski options. Transfers to Engelberg.
- Turin → Aosta Valley (Cervinia / Courmayeur): High-altitude Italian skiing with excellent scenery. Transfers to Cervinia.