Snow Conditions

We have had very cold temperatures last week, with some snowfall. This has enabled piste grooming to proceed in ideal circumstances, the mix of a man made snow base and natural snow on top resulting in great ski conditions. All three Zermatt ski areas and both the linked Italian areas of Cervinia and Valtournenche are open, as are the runs back to resort.

It has been snowing steadily over the last week and the temperatures have been cold enough to allow the snow canons to work continuously, laying down a long-lasting base for the natural snow to settle on. This is the secret of good snow preparation. As of December 3d the number of open runs will triple to 110km, including all three mountains on the Zermatt side of the ski area, and also both Cervinia and Valtournenche on the Italian side.

The summer has been so dry and so sunny that the glaciers are suffering. As a result the summer ski slopes have been temporarily closed. However the mountain lifts are running normally and you can still go up to the very top of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift (Klein Matterhorn), where you can walk, touch and play on the snow. Or keep cool while sunbathing…

May 1st was the last day of the winter season, and May 2nd the first day of the summer season. The mountain lifts up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (also known as Klein Matterhorn) are open, as is the Gornergrat train. From both locations you get stunning views over the mountains. Currently skiing is possible from the highest point at 3,883m down to Trockener Steg at 2,900m. The Furggsattel chairlift is also running, for skiers only.

As is customary, we have had a number of good snowfalls this April, culminating in 80cm on the ridge between Zermatt and Cervinia on April 24th. Off-piste conditions were superb at higher altitudes. The Sunnegga and Gornergrat areas are now closed, but the Matterhorn side and Cervinia both remain open until May 1st.

                                       Furggsattel Powder on April 24th 2022

Last week we had three superb days of sunshine and deep powder, followed by three days of fresh snow again. We didn’t mind the poor weather as it was the Zermatt Unplugged music festival with great concerts in multiple locations in the village and around the mountains. The skiing is superb, and the Italian side in particular is perfect for a family outing.

By Sunday morning the overnight snowfall had increased the amount to 50cm of fresh and superlight powder. With blue skies and radiant sunshine, today is definitely the best day of the season so far!

This morning of April 2nd we woke up to a huge fresh snowfall, with 30cm in the village and 40cm at the top. The weather is forecast to clear as of tomorrow and stay sunny for the next few days, so the coming week is set to be one of the best of the entire season.

Although it hasn’t snowed much lately – the last snowfall was on March 15th and mainly toward the Matterhorn and Italian side – all the pistes are in excellent condition. There is grippy winter snow on the highest runs, and wonderfully easy spring corn snow skiing after about 11:00 on the medium altitude runs. The resort runs are also great in the morning, but now getting quite slushy in the afternoon, however you can always take a lift back down to the village to avoid these. The winter skiing will finish on May 1st as scheduled.

The last snowfall was 10 days ago, since when we have had perfect blue skies and plentiful sunshine. The pistes are in great condition with grippy winter snow on most, and the occasional icy patch on the lowest slopes. It has been mild enough on most days to be able to eat outside in Zermatt and Cervinia’s numerous mountain restaurants.