Schneedecke

Anyone who extends their ski touring season into early summer is bound to have seen them before. Many of us may know that the strange red spots on the early summer firn are algae (Fig.1 ). But they are by no means the only inhabitants of our treasured snow cover. Snow and glacier ice are much more than a sterile collection of frozen water. They are dynamic ecosystems made up of a multitude of microorganisms that have undergone hundreds of millions of years of evolution to adapt to these harsh environments.

This winter can already be classified as difficult due to the below-average snow conditions and especially because of the treacherous avalanche risk situation. But all good things come from above: A circulation upheaval is planned in the stratosphere, which could greatly favor the northern slopes of the Alps in terms of upstream flow. In view of the old snow problem, we remain defensive in our route selection and look into the crystal ball of the weather below.

"Under the magnifying glass" is a series of articles by Lydia and Linus. We are both at the SLF in Davos this winter, where we are studying snow from a scientific perspective. As we regularly take a close look at the snow in our surroundings - both during our field work and at weekends - we'll be taking you with us from time to time this winter. We will explain our snow profiles to you, what the individual observations mean and what snow science topics arise from the current profiles. Today: How the orientation of a slope - i.e. its exposure - influences the development of the snowpack and why north-facing slopes often offer particularly good snow, but also the most dangerous conditions.

Only the avalanche situation is more exciting than the weather. The dry early winter in the Austrian Alps is taking its revenge. A pronounced weak layer combined with wind and fresh snow has provoked a series of avalanche accidents and claimed several victims. Kamchatka was also badly hit, with huge snowdrifts burying homes and people. Europe is also facing a stormy week. Quo vadis 2026?

"Under the magnifying glass" is a series of articles by Lydia and Linus. We are both at the SLF in Davos this winter, where we are studying snow from a scientific perspective. As we regularly take a close look at the snow in the area anyway - both during our field work and at our weekends - we'll be taking you with us from time to time this winter. We explain our snow profiles, what the individual observations actually mean and pick up on various snow science topics that arise from the current profiles. Today: How the weather conditions at the start of the season can help shape the rest of the winter season - and how the weather in recent weeks has changed the snowpack.

PowderGuide has been reporting on a "Gear of the Week" almost every week for over 10 years now. From ski suits to skin wax, ski boots, sunglasses and safety halves, almost everything has been included, but one thing has probably been forgotten and that is not at all unimportant for us freeriders. That's why this week is all about our favorite element: snow!

On 17th November 2025, the Tour de CCAMM stopped in Chur, the first stop in a series of events with which the WSL research program CCAMM (Climate Change Impacts on Alpine Mass Movements) is transferring its key findings into practice. Since 2018, CCAMM has been investigating how climate change affects gravitational natural hazards in the Alps: from snow and avalanches, debris flows and rock movements to cascading processes, protective forests and social impacts.

If you climb through the forest on a winter's morning with skins on your skis, you can feel it immediately: this special atmosphere, the muffled footsteps, the breath that dissolves into small clouds and evaporates between the branches. The mountain forest is more than just a backdrop, it is alive and part of the scenery. It frames our tracks, protects our lives and creates the conditions under which winter sports are possible in the first place. And despite these important functions, it is under pressure today like never before.

The title and PowderAlert say it all: it's raining cats and dogs on the southern side of the Alps and a lot of snow is falling at high altitudes. We briefly discuss what a heavy precipitation event is and look at the current event in detail. Finally, we briefly recap the winter and bring the WeatherBlog season to a conditional close.

Unfortunately, too much time has passed for many people since the last major snowfall in mid-January. Since then, a very stable area of high pressure has dominated large parts of Central Europe and ensured long-lasting warm temperatures. This triggered euphoria among some climbing enthusiasts, powder fans got long faces and yet not all freeriders lost their motivation, because the best snow after powder is known to be firn. But just as with fresh snowfall, there are a few things to bear in mind when there is no snowfall.

January is over, but the winter is still not very wintery. A few short episodes of fresh snow made for spectacular images - especially at the Freeride World Tour in Val Thorens, which will be remembered for its impressive lines and deep powder. Nevertheless, the snow conditions are below average in many places. There is hope for a sustainable return of winter, but the weather situation remains complicated.

An essential tool for off-piste skiing and ski touring is the avalanche report, also known as the avalanche bulletin. This has changed considerably over time. Not only does it appear more frequently - once or twice a day - but its spatial resolution has also become more detailed and precise. With the advance of artificial intelligence and the integration of model-based forecasts, new perspectives are opening up in avalanche warning.