A new ‘Bluebird Index’ by tour operator Sunweb has analyses best weather days at 30 popular European skiing destinations to determine the best time to go
France’s La Plagne (above) and Meribel top the chart, averaging 4.2 historical Bluebird days during the second week of March – the most of the 30 resorts analysed
Italy’s Kronplatz (below) has its best conditions in January, the only resort in the top 10 to have its prime days outside of the Spring months, with 3.1 days of pristine conditions, it offers up an alternative for a quick new year getaway.
Kronplatz Photo Harald Wisthaler
Sunweb used weather data from Snow-forecast.com for a 15 year period from 2007 to 2022 to look for bluebird conditions at the top of the mountain. Snow-forecast.com defines a Bluebird day as a day with. “Average snow, mostly sunny, light wind.”
Sunweb’s Index reveals that the second week in March offers the best weather conditions on average across the resorts analysed.
Following closely behind La Plagne and Meribel, Val d’Isere/Tignes (3.8 days), Val Thorens (3.6 days), Alpe d’Huez (3.5 days), Les Deux Alpes (3.4 days) and Italian resort Sauze d’Oulx (3.4 days) also have their best weather conditions during the second week of March.
“There’s so much that goes into planning a skiing holiday, but the one thing that we can’t control is the weather,” said Martine Langerak, Head of Communications for Sunweb Group, who added, “We hope the Bluebird Index will assist families and friends who are looking to get their fix of the slopes this winter, by offering a little insight into the weather conditions. And if all else fails, there is always Après if the conditions are not in your favour!”
