Fonna glacier ski area in Norway has been closed in July by fresh snowfall.
The Fonna ski area is one of three glaciers open in Norway. It reported 35cm (14 inches) of snowfall by lunchtime today, 3 July.
Fonna Today
The local municipality has closed the access road to Fonna in Norway temporarily. It’s expected to re-open tomorrow with lots of fresh powder for local skiers to enjoy.
It was dry most of June, but Fonna had an incredible 15 metre base when it opened in May.
(Digging out Fonna on 21 March)
It took road crews over a month to dig out the access road to the ski slopes in spring.
Summer Skiing in 2020
Fonna is one of a dozen glacier ski areas in Europe now re-opened as lockdowns eased.
Worldwide about 30 centres are now open on six continents. However ski areas in South America are closed due to the pandemic. Tiffindel ski areas in South Africa also remains closed due to the virus. It is currently unclear if they will be able to open this winter.
The past few days has seen fresh snowfall on at least four continents in northern and southern hemispheres.
Along with Norway in Europe, Banff in Canada, North America, reported fresh snow up high.
There has also been lots of snow in the (closed) Andes. Mountains in Australia and New Zealand have had fresh snow too. In New Zealand ski centres reported up to 50cm (20 inches) of fresh snow.
Ski Areas Open in July Worldwide:
- Australia: Most resorts (Mt Baw Baw pictured earlier today below).
- Austria: Hintertux, Kitzsteinhorn and Mollal Glaciers.
- France: Les 2 Alpes, Tignes, Val d’Isere (closing July 11th).
- Italy: Passo Stelvio (Cervinia provides access to Zermatt’s glacier too)
- Japan: Gassan.
- Lesotho: Afriski.
- New Zealand: Most resorts.
- Norway: Fonna, Galdhopiggen and Stryn Glaciers.
- Switzerland: Zermatt (Saas Fee open from the 11th).
- USA: Timberline.
