As many of you are well aware, there has been a lot of snow recently across the Alps. Every year the pattern of snowfall varies and this year has been no exception.

There has been an East/West divide. The good news is, not only is there nothing political about this, but also the Alpine countries have not succumbed, unlike the UK, to naming their weather patterns. They just like to report on the amount of snow falling.

The Eastern Alps, Austria and East Switzerland has had huge snowfalls over the past few weeks. Some resorts reporting up to 3 metres in a week. The Western Alps, France and Western Switzerland has now joined the party and had good snowfalls 30cm – 50cm in the past week. This is a timely top-up as this area had been cold and dry since before Christmas.

As I write this from the high Tarentaise in Val d’Isére, my children are playing tag in 30cm or so of fresh snow outside. Hopefully that will exhaust them before bedtime! 

Italy has not been forgotten and falls into both camps by the way.

At this juncture in the season we are receiving the feedback from clients who have returned from their Christmas and New Year holidays. It is great to be receiving positive reviews from the various chalets and hotels across the Alps. Much as we all like fresh snow, we also love sunshine and so the cold and dry weather over this peak season it seems delivered the balance people were looking for on holiday. Lunch on a sunny terrace of a mountain restaurant to me is one of the best lunches one can ever have. It is no wonder our Pre-Arrival Concierge team were busier than ever booking up the best tables in the best restaurants.

The recent snow is a perfect tonic for the rest of the season. It is important to point out, there are still over THREE months of the season to go in some resorts. We are only about a quarter of the way through the season! There are still many great opportunities to book a holiday for the family or sneak away for a weekend. Whether is be February Half Term, Easter or the dates in between there are some great opportunities.

The office had a call on Saturday for a group who booked that day and travelled the following day. Now that really is making the most of this great snow. We also have people who so enjoyed their Christmas holiday that they have already booked for next Christmas. Do not miss out on the fun… 

That is all for now from the Alps. You heard it on The Grapevine.

With best wishes for 2019.

Rupert Longsdon

Founder and CEO of The Oxford Ski Company