Bluebird Face Shots… In November!

If you were one of the fortunate few who were able to take advantage of the massive dumps in the French and Swiss Alps then you know what we’re talking about. If not, here’s a bit of what you missed…

Clearly you can’t go back but hey, the good news is that you can plan ahead. All of the glacier resorts that are typically open this time of year are reporting better than average snow conditions and here are our top picks for riders hoping to score some powder turns of their own this month...

• Verbier, Switzerland: (25cm bottom / 245cm top) – Verbier has some of the most snow in the Alps right now and although there are not many slopes open there is loads of great off-piste that is ride-able.

• Saas Fee, Switzerland: (40cm bottom / 135cm top) – Saas Fee has been getting pounded and now reports 40km of open slopes. In addition, the snow park is now closed so there are not many skiers on the mountain and a whole mountain of fresh tracks to be had.

• Zermatt, Switzerland: (20cm bottom / 150cm top) – 12 lifts and 40km of pistes are currently open with what looks like a possible 20cm forecast for the next 24 hours and steady snowfall through early next week.

• Val Thorens, France: (65cm bottom / 140cm top) – Val Thorens scored over a meter of snow last week and they plan to open 70% of the slopes and lifts on Saturday when an additional 15cm is forecast to fall. The resort will stay open through the week until their grand opening the weekend of 26/27^th with ski tests, parties and other shenanigans.

• Chamonix, France: (55cm bottom / 105cm top) – As a result of the exceptional snowfall last week Les Grands Montets plans to open four lifts for the weekend only for now. Le Brévent and Le Tour are scheduled to open 10 December. Aiguille du Midi on the 17^th. Watch compagniedumontblanc.fr for updates.

• Tignes, France: (45cm bottom / 120cm top) – The glacier at Tignes is generally open this time of year and after receiving 64cm of snow last week they now have seven lifts and 18km of runs open. 19cm of snow is forecast for Saturday.

• Sölden, Austria: (10cm bottom / 129cm top) – 15 lifts and 14 runs are open with up to 30cm of fresh snow forecast at the mid-station through the weekend.

• Kaunertal, Austria: (68cm bottom / 102cm top) – Seven lifts are open and conditions are excellent!

• Kaprun, Austria: (30cm bottom / 100cm top) – 15 lifts are open with great skiing in the area

• Stubai, Austria: (20cm bottom / 100cm top) – 17 lefts are running and 30cm of new snow is forecast for Friday and Saturday.

• Obergurl, Austria: (45cm) – Depending on which forecast you look at, Obergurgl is set to receive 55cm through its opening weekend of Saturday 19th November.

• Cervinia, Italy: (50cm bottom / 190cm top) – The Italian side of the Matterhorn has four lifts open with over a meter of snow forecast through early next week.

• Val Senales, Italy: (10cm bottom / 90cm top) – Val Senales doesn’t have the deepest base on the list but there are four lifts open, skiing is really good on the groomers and they are forecast to receive 30-40cm through early next week.