Snow-sure ski resort - what does this mean?

With climate change high on many peoples agenda and how it may be affecting snow conditions in the Alps, winter sports enthusiasts are becoming more and more selective about altitude when it comes to their ski holidays. So how high are the ski resorts we’ve all heard of and where is the best snow?

Understandably that’s a difficult challenge to address! Nobody wants to arrive at their ski chalet and it's green and/or below the snow level and it’s raining. But less than 20% of skiers visit the highest chairlift during their stay in resort due to level of ability. So how much does it matter because experts say that the percentage of ski area above 20000m are the most snow sure. And how much of the ski area os facing the North? Everyone wants sunshine and blue skies but north facing slopes hold the snow for longer. Even some lower resorts have good snow cover records due to being north facing.  

So to help you make your mind up where to get the best snow, here are some stats and info for you. We haven't included everywhere and concentrate on the UK's favourites in France.

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VAL THORENS(2300m) : Highest lift : Cime de Caron (3200m)

Ski area above 2000m : 70% (Three Valleys)

TIGNES (2200m) :Highest lift : GrandMotte (3456m)

Ski area above 2000m : 90% (Espace Killy)

LA PLAGNE (2000m): Highest lift : Bellecote Gondola (3417m)

Ski area above 2000m : 70% (Paradiski)

LES ARCS (2000m): Highest lift : Aiguille Rouge (3220m)

Ski area above 2000m : 70% (Paradiski)

LA ROSIERE (1850m): Highest lift : Mont Valaison (2800m)

Ski area above 2000m : 60% (Espace San Bernardo)

LES MENUIRES (1850m): Highest lift : La Masse (2800m)

Ski area above 2000m : 70% (Three Valleys)

VAL D’ISERE(1850m) : Highest lift : Les Montets (3300m)

Ski area above 2000m : 90% (Espace Killy)

FLAINE (1600m): Highest lift : 2561m

Ski area above 2000m : 30% (Grand Massif)

LES GETS (1200m): Highest lift : 2000m

Ski area above 2000m : 15% (Portes du Soleil)

MEGEVE (1100m): Highest lift : 2487m

Ski area above 2000m : 5% (Mont Blanc)

CHAMONIX (1100m): Highest lift : Aiguille du Midi (3842m)

Ski area above 2000m : 90% (Chamonix Mont Blanc)

CHATEL (1100m): Highest lift : 2200m

Ski area above 2000m : 15% (Portes du Soleil)

MORZINE (1000m) : Highest lift : 2200m

Ski area above 2000m : 15% (Portes du Soleil)

Some fun facts

1. Arriving in resort and its green and you may as well be staying in Manchester.
2. The highest lift in France is claimed by Aguille du Midi in Chamonix at 3842m.
3. It is said that as few as 15% of all resort visitors actually ski from the highest point in each resort.
4. The largest ski area in the world measured by piste distances is allegedly Les Trois Vallees (3 Valleys) at 660 kms.
5. It’s obvious but for the uninitiated, north facing slopes hold their snow conditions the longest.
6. The closest airport to the French Alps at 1500 mts is CHAMBERY and you can be on a ski lift in the worlds largest ski area within 90 minutes after leaving the airport if you are super organised !
7. It is estimated that Espace Killy (Val d’Isere/Tignes) has 90% of its skiable pistes above 2000 mts.
8. It is estimated that Portes Du Soleil (Morzine/Chatel) has 70% of its pistes below 2000 mts.
9. The highest ski lift in the world is at Gulmarg in India….yes India…at a little over 4000 mts

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