Skiing Weather Guide — Reading Conditions for the Best Runs

Ideal Skiing Conditions

Snow Types by Temperature

• Below -10°C: Dry powder — the lightest, fluffiest snow. Dream conditions.
• -5 to -10°C: Good powder with slightly more moisture. Still excellent.
• -1 to -5°C: Packed powder — denser but carveable. Most common.
• 0 to 2°C: Wet snow — heavy, sticky. Spring slush in the afternoon.
• Above 2°C: Melting — icy mornings, slushy afternoons. Corn snow forms.

Reading a Ski Forecast

1. Freezing level: Where the 0°C line sits on the mountain. Below it = snow, above it = rain.
2. Snow line: Where new snow is expected to accumulate.
3. Wind at summit: High winds close lifts and create wind chill. Check summit vs base forecasts.
4. Avalanche risk: Fresh heavy snowfall on existing weak layers increases danger. Check avalanche bulletins.

Best Months by Region

Safety

• Never go off-piste without avalanche training, beacon, probe, and shovel
• Check weather and avalanche bulletins every morning
• Dress in layers — you warm up quickly while skiing
• Wear goggles, not just sunglasses — UV reflection from snow is intense

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Check mountain weather on Weather Tomorrow.