A "snow sure" ski resort is one that is known for having reliable snow conditions, even when the snow is not as good as it could be. We've put together a list of some of the highest resorts that, although not guaranteed, do have consistently high quality white stuff.
To be 'snow sure' ... aim high.

Zermatt

 
With stunning views of the Matterhorn, it's no wonder Zermatt is known as one of the best resorts in Switzerland. Snow sure thanks to its high altitude slopes at 3,820m high, you can be sure the conditions for skiing are always prime. This traditional ski resort is one of Switzerland's most popular

Whistler

Located in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb consistently offers the most reliable snow conditions, receiving an average annual snowfall of 10.8 metres / 426 inches / 35.5 feet per year. 
 

Val Thorens

Confident in the quality of its snow cover, Val Thorens offers the possibility to book your winter sports holiday without worrying about the lack of snow, with the introduction of its unique "Snow Guarantee".
Thanks to its remarkable location, Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, has a ski area of which 99% is situated above an altitude of 2000 metres
 

Tignes

L'Espace Killy ( Val D'Isere and Tignes) is often regarded as having the most reliable snow in the Alps, primarily due to the extent of its high altitude skiing (60% of its 300km of slopes are above 2500m). Although it's on the northern side of the Alps, its proximity to the Italian border means that snow can also arrive from the south-east, Throw in a couple of glaciers and nowhere else in Europe can offer such a variety of snow-sure slopes for such a long season. If there is a weakness in Tignes, it is that some of the home runs are quite exposed to the sun and, given the heavy traffic, can become tricky in spring.

St Anton + The Arlberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Averaging 11m of snow each year, St Anton is often top of the snow-depth records in Austria, owing to its legendary off-piste skiing. Plus, 72% of the ski area's slopes have snow making capabilities. With a reputation as the cradle of alpine skiing and with 276km of piste, Arlberg joins together the resorts of St Anton, St Christoph, Lech, Zürs, Zug, Stuben and Sonnenkop

Mammoth

Mammoth lies just to the east of Yosemite National Park, around three hours south of the resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe. Its location is usually incredibly snowy, indeed base depths here regularly top 5m at the top of the mountain and skiing in recent years has continued on spring snow right through to the July 4th holidays, despite the resort averaging 300 sunny days a year. 150 trails await, including some seriously steep routes at the top, the world-famous Mammoth Unbound terrain park and numerous family-friendly groomed routes.

Saas Fee

If you’re looking for reliable snow, high altitude skiing and a charming Swiss village then look no further than Saas-Fee. You’ll spend most of your time skiing here at between 2500m and 3500m – something that is pretty much unrivalled in Europe. What this means is that great snow is pretty much guaranteed, especially as the resort possesses one of the largest glacier ski areas in the Alps. The two nearby areas – included on the wider area lift pass – of Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell add good variety to what is a relatively compact ski area.

Powderhound apres-ski clothing 

Don't forget to put some t shirts, hoodies and the beautifully practical snoods in your bag 

POWDERHOUND CLOTHING 

 

 

 

  

 

January 05, 2023 — Tim Hall