Snow Report & 7-Day Ski Forecast 2025/26
Last updated: Tuesday 13 January 2026Season status: Mid-season conditions are firmly in place across the Alps. Most major resorts are operating with well-established coverage at altitude, and piste skiing is in great shape. As always, lift and sector openings can vary day-to-day due to wind and visibility, so it’s worth checking each resort’s live lift status before you set off.
Today’s Ski News & Travel Updates
- Great piste skiing: A strong mid-winter base means many resorts are offering excellent groomed runs, especially on higher and north-facing slopes.
- High-resort advantage: Glacier-backed and high-altitude domains continue to deliver the most consistent snow quality and the widest terrain choice.
- Travel tip: For smooth journeys, plan for winter driving conditions and allow extra time on transfer days during colder spells.
Quick Snow Summary
January is delivering classic mid-winter skiing across much of the Alps, with a strong base in place and plenty of quality piste conditions. The best snow confidence remains on higher terrain and shaded (north-facing) slopes, with glacier-backed areas providing extra reliability. For the strongest “snow-sure” hit-rate this week, focus on high altitude, large linked domains, and resorts with lots of uplift above 2,000m. Lower villages continue to benefit from good snowmaking windows during cold nights.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 strong January conditions:
- Zermatt–Cervinia: Very high-altitude skiing with glacier support and strong reliability.
- Val Thorens (3 Valleys): One of Europe’s highest base resorts with excellent mid-winter coverage.
- Tignes–Val d’Isère: Extensive high terrain with great snow preservation on shaded slopes.
- Sölden: Glacier-backed terrain and reliable high-altitude skiing.
- Obergurgl–Hochgurgl: High alpine pistes that hold snow beautifully.
- Saas-Fee: Glacier support and consistently strong snow preservation.
- St. Anton–Arlberg: Huge linked mileage with excellent higher-sector options.
- Verbier: Best on upper sectors and shaded faces, with big-mountain variety.
- Les Arcs–La Plagne (Paradiski): Size + altitude keeps lots of terrain in great condition.
- Livigno: Cold valley climate helps keep pistes crisp and grippy.
Top Alpine Resorts for Snow Conditions Right Now
Here is a list of top picks across France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy that typically perform strongly in January, combining altitude, coverage and overall ski offering:France
- Val Thorens (3 Valleys): High base resort with excellent mid-winter snow security.
- Tignes: High altitude + glacier access for reliable conditions.
- Val d’Isère: Best on upper and north-facing slopes.
- Les Arcs: Strong snow preservation higher up.
- La Plagne: Big terrain with high sectors and strong linkage.
- Les 2 Alpes: Glacier-backed skiing; best on upper mountain terrain.
- Chamonix (high sectors): Best when upper mountain lift operations allow.
- Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil high point): Great during colder spells; strong snow preservation on higher links.
Austria
- Sölden: Glacier-backed skiing with extensive high-altitude uplift.
- Obergurgl–Hochgurgl: Snow-sure high alpine terrain.
- Ischgl: High mileage and reliable upper terrain.
- St. Anton–Arlberg: Huge network; strongest skiing across higher sectors.
- Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis: High plateau skiing with excellent piste maintenance.
- Saalbach–Hinterglemm–Leogang: Vast linked area; best coverage on higher loops.
Switzerland
- Zermatt: Extremely high-altitude skiing with outstanding snow reliability.
- Saas-Fee: Glacier-backed terrain with excellent snow preservation.
- Verbier: Best on upper mountain sectors and shaded slopes.
Italy
- Cervinia: High altitude and linked terrain; a standout for snow security.
- Livigno: Cold valley climate keeps pistes in great condition.
- Val Gardena: Exceptional grooming and snowmaking; best with firm overnight freezes.
- Madonna di Campiglio: Strong piste network with consistent mid-winter coverage.
Snow Summary by Country / Region
| Country / Region | Current Situation | 7-Day Outlook | Best Bets Right Now | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France (Alps) | Strong mid-winter base across major domains. Best skiing continues above ~1,800–2,000m with excellent piste quality on shaded aspects. Lower villages benefit from consistent snowmaking during cold nights. | Generally settled and cold, with occasional light top-ups at altitude. Great week for cruising and mileage, especially in high Tarentaise resorts. | Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Paradiski. | France Ski Transfers |
| Austria | Tirol and higher resorts are skiing very well with strong piste conditions and plenty of open terrain. Glaciers remain a reliable option for top snow quality. | Mostly dry and cold with light refreshers possible on high ground. Excellent conditions for long ski days and well-groomed pistes. | Sölden, Obergurgl–Hochgurgl, Ischgl, Arlberg. | Austria Ski Transfers |
| Switzerland | High resorts continue to deliver some of the most reliable conditions in the Alps, with excellent snow preservation on upper and shaded slopes. | A wintry outlook with further snowfall chances at altitude and cold temperatures supporting great piste quality. | Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Verbier for high-altitude reliability. | Swiss Ski Transfers |
| Italy | Best natural snow remains in high Aosta Valley resorts, while the Dolomites shine thanks to world-class grooming and dependable snowmaking. | A seasonable, piste-friendly 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 strong piste conditions. | Stable winter conditions support continued terrain expansion. | Trysil, Hemsedal and Geilo. | Norway Ski Transfers |
| Japan | Peak winter continues with excellent snowfall consistency across many northern regions. | Further snow showers keep topping up major resorts through the week. | Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, plus Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. | Japan Ski Transfers |
7-Day Alpine Snow Outlook ❄
- Next 24–48 hours: A mostly wintry and settled pattern for many resorts — excellent for piste mileage and crisp snow on shaded slopes.
- Midweek: More clear breaks, with occasional light snow showers depending on region. Great snowmaking windows continue where temperatures dip overnight.
- Late week & weekend: Further snow chances return for some areas, helping keep upper slopes fresh and supporting continued terrain expansion.
Snowfall Intensity Key
❄ = light | ❄❄ = moderate | ❄❄❄ = heavy | ❄❄❄❄ = very heavy| Resort | Country | Status | 7-Day Outlook | New Snow (Next 7 Days) | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens | France | Open | High, reliable conditions with excellent piste quality. Best skiing on upper slopes and high links across the 3 Valleys. | ❄ 2–8 cm | Book Now |
| Tignes | France | Open | Strong high-altitude coverage with great snow preservation. Best on Grande Motte and north-facing pistes. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Val d’Isère | France | Open | Excellent mid-winter skiing at altitude. Best conditions higher up and on shaded slopes. | ❄❄ 8–18 cm | Book Now |
| Les Arcs | France | Open | Good coverage across altitude bands, with the strongest snow higher up. Great variety for mixed-ability groups. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| La Plagne | France | Open | Wide network skiing well with a solid base. Best snow confidence in higher sectors and linked areas. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Les Deux Alpes | France | Open | Glacier-backed reliability and excellent snow preservation. Best skiing on upper mountain terrain. | ❄ 4–10 cm | Book Now |
| Chamonix | France | Open | Best snow on higher sectors, with superb scenery and varied terrain. Great week for piste skiing when upper lifts are running. | ❄ 3–8 cm | Book Now |
| Avoriaz | France | Open | Strong option for linked mileage. Best coverage on higher links and shaded slopes. | ❄ 3–8 cm | Book Now |
| Sölden | Austria | Open | Reliable glacier skiing and strong mid-winter cover. Excellent snow quality on upper slopes. | ❄ 4–10 cm | Book Now |
| Obergurgl–Hochgurgl | Austria | Open | High and snow-sure with excellent preservation. Great piste confidence across upper runs. | ❄ 3–9 cm | Book Now |
| Ischgl | Austria | Open | High mileage and great grooming. Best conditions on upper cross-border terrain. | ❄ 2–8 cm | Book Now |
| St. Anton–Arlberg | Austria | Open | Strong coverage across higher sectors. A superb choice for variety and long ski days. | ❄ 2–8 cm | Book Now |
| Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis | Austria | Open | Great piste network with strong snowmaking support. Excellent conditions on the upper plateau. | ❄ 2–7 cm | Book Now |
| Saalbach–Hinterglemm | Austria | Open | A huge linked area skiing well. Snowmaking keeps key routes in great shape for mileage weeks. | ❄ 1–6 cm | Book Now |
| Zermatt | Switzerland | Open | Very high-altitude reliability with glacier support. Excellent 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 |
| Cervinia | Italy | Open | High-altitude reliability with extensive terrain. Best snow security on upper slopes and links. | ❄ 5–12 cm | Book Now |
| Courmayeur | Italy | Open | Excellent scenery and solid piste conditions. Best on higher and shaded slopes during colder spells. | ❄ 3–10 cm | Book Now |
| Livigno | Italy | Open | Cold valley microclimate keeps snow in great shape. Strong piste confidence and excellent 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 to Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz / Morzine): Ideal for a fast getaway with big linked mileage. Transfers to Avoriaz.
- Geneva to Chamonix: A great short break option with varied high-mountain terrain. Transfers to Chamonix.
- Innsbruck to Ötztal (Sölden / Obergurgl): Snow-sure Austrian skiing with glacier support. Transfers to Sölden.
- Turin to Aosta Valley (Cervinia / Courmayeur): High-altitude Italian skiing with excellent scenery. Transfers to Cervinia.