Global Ski-Weather Summary - End Nov 2025

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Global Ski-Weather Summary: Current Conditions & Outlook for Next Week

North America (US & Canada)

  • Current Conditions: The Great Lakes region is seeing substantial snowfall from lake-effect storms, with totals around 60–90 cm in parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. Western Canada recently received 40–60 cm of new snow on a rain crust, creating moderate avalanche danger. In the Rockies, several resorts reported up to 90 cm over the past week.

  • Next Week Outlook: A strong storm continues to influence the Great Lakes through mid-week, followed by another system late week that may bring additional snow. The Rockies remain cooler with light-to-moderate snow mid-week and a stronger front possibly arriving near the weekend, bringing heavier snow and gusty winds. Avalanche risk persists, especially in areas with wind slabs on weak layers.

Europe (Alps)

  • Current Conditions: Light snow showers produced a few centimeters mid-week across Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland, after recent accumulations of 30 cm to 1 m. Wind slabs are widespread due to cold NE winds, and avalanche danger remains considerable.

  • Next Week Outlook: Snowfall will increase toward the weekend as a stronger front approaches, delivering an estimated 20–40 cm of fresh snow in many regions. Temperatures will stay cold, with the freezing level around 1 400–1 600 m. Avalanche risk is likely to stay elevated due to persistent weak layers and wind slabs.

Japan (Hokkaido & Honshu)

  • Current Conditions: Early-season snow has begun, with Hakuba Valley receiving up to 40 cm in 24 hours. Resorts like Nozawa Onsen are opening earlier than usual. Scattered snow showers continue in Hokkaido.

  • Next Week Outlook: Regular light-to-moderate snowfall is expected mid-week, followed by a strong weekend front that should bring heavier snow and gusty winds, particularly in northern Honshu. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that precipitation will be above normal on the Sea of Japan side; heavy snow around December 4 could be the season’s first significant storm. Rapid accumulation and blizzard conditions may occur.

Himalaya (India–Pakistan–Pakistan)

  • Current Conditions: Conditions are mostly dry, with freeze–thaw cycles in resorts like Manali and Gulmarg. Only light snowfall (about 5 cm at Manali and 1 cm at Gulmarg) is expected at the end of the week.

  • Next Week Outlook: The India Meteorological Department notes a Western Disturbance around December 4–10, which could bring light to moderate snow to parts of the western Himalaya. Otherwise, the outlook remains mostly dry. Thin snowpacks and freeze–thaw conditions mean low avalanche risk, but early-season hazards (rocks and ice) persist.

Safety Reminder: Always check your local avalanche bulletins before heading into the backcountry, as conditions can change quickly and vary by slope aspect and elevation.

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