It could be a lonely experience on the slopes last winter. In France there were just ski tourers, split boarders, and hikers on the white peaks last winter. Italy had a similar closure of ski lifts whilst Austria and Switzerland opened ski areas but restricted border crossings, resulting in residents only skiing. This coming winter is set to be a far more familiar affair and with perfect timing, the snows have returned to the Alps, just as glacier skiing kicks off in the higher resorts.
Skiers and snowboarders have been sharing the slopes with FIS race teams at the Pitztal, Sölden and the Hintertux glaciers over recent days, whilst today the Stubai Glacier opens for the winter. Saas-Fee has even been hosting Austrian race teams! A couple days of snow have deposited fresh snow over the mountains, right down to the base-station at the Stubai Glacier.
The French will have added reason to celebrate when the Grande Motte Glacier above Tignes opens next weekend – expect hugs, whoops and high-fives as people converge on the Grande Motte after such a long & painful enforced closure. The 23rd of October is another milestone to normality, as the FIS race seasons opens on the Rettenbach Glacier above Sölden and the biggest pre-season party in the Alps gets into overdrive.
