Snow report Ticino, 11/22/2014

Snow condition

Extremely good for not even December. In Val Bedretto it's around 20 cm, at 2000m it's already a good 2 m and from 2500m it's around 3m. It feels like the height of winter. The northern Alps haven't been this deep in snow all winter. The contrast between the north and south sides of the Alps as you pass through the Gotthard tunnel is striking again this year.

Snow quality

The last snowfall was on Wednesday, so we weren't expecting too much in terms of the quality of the snow (0 degrees according to slf at around 3000m). Below 1900m and everywhere where the sun reaches, there is broken snow of various grades. Therefore rather 2 stars for this. However, all the shady slopes have preserved the powder snow very well, even down to the tree line, which would easily justify 4 stars. On average, therefore, 3 stars (subjectively and in view of the still very young winter rather 4).

Here, too, the sun has done a great job. Almost everything facing south, west or east, where the sun can do its mischief for long enough and where there is a sufficient slope, has gone down (mostly to the bottom). The numerous sharks are also quite frightening, even above 2500m. All in all, however, with a watchful eye it can be assessed quite well.

Overall impression

A very good start to the season! Fantastic weather, great snow conditions for the season and some beautiful, dry powder guaranteed a strenuous but very rewarding weekend of touring in Ticino.