A significant snowstorm impacted the Alps in early February 2026, bringing substantial snowfall to the region. According to PlanetSKI, some areas received up to 1.5 meters of fresh snow. The heavy snowfall has led to a very high avalanche risk, prompting some resorts to take precautionary measures, including temporarily closing ski areas.

Video: 2 HUGE SNOW STORMS! ALPS Ski Conditions Roundup Week 12 | It's insanely busy — ChamonixSkiBum

Impact in the Alps:

  • The storm primarily affected the north-western Alps, including parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
  • French resorts such as La Rosière, Flaine, Chamonix, Avoriaz, Les 3 Vallées, Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, and Les Arcs were particularly affected.
  • In Italy, Courmayeur and La Thuile experienced heavy snowfall.
  • Swiss resorts like Verbier and Glacier 3000 also saw significant accumulations.
  • La Plagne and Les Arcs made the rare decision to fully close their ski areas due to the extreme avalanche risk.
  • Flooding occurred in some lower-lying valley areas, causing road closures.

Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk reported that while the weather was expected to calm down temporarily, another major storm was forecasted to hit the western Alps on Monday, February 16th.

UK Tour Operator Response:

Richard Sinclair of SNO Ski Holidays noted a surge in bookings for March ski holidays following the heavy snowfall. He stated that customers were eager to take advantage of the guaranteed great snow conditions later in the season.

Pyrenees Enjoying Exceptional Season:

While the Alps grappled with the storm, the Pyrenees reported excellent snow conditions. The Spanish Pyrenees are experiencing what many are calling their best season in a decade. The eastern Catalan Pyrenees have already recorded snow depths of one to two meters in several locations, according to PlanetSKI.

Snowy ski slope with chairlift in Tyrol, Austria, ideal for winter sports.
Photo by Jonas Horsch on Pexels
Snow-covered ski resort in Friuli Venezia Giulia with skiers enjoying a sunny winter day.
Photo by Vladimir Srajber on Pexels
A picturesque ski resort in winter with snow-covered trees and mountains, perfect for skiing and adventure.
Photo by vadean viorel on Pexels
Video by Oskar Gross on Pexels

Canada Faces Snow Drought:

In contrast to the Alps and Pyrenees, Canada is experiencing a snow drought. James Cove of PlanetSKI reported from Lake Louise that there had been no fresh snowfall in weeks, with none in the immediate forecast. Fortunately, record snowfall in December and cold temperatures have preserved the existing snow base, though powder conditions are currently absent.

PlanetSKI also provided resort reviews from a recent Canada road trip, including Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Marmot Basin.