Snow report:It just keeps coming: last week saw some destinations in the French Pyrenees covered by nearly two metres of new snow. Even the lowest Alpine resorts are reporting more than half a metre in their valleys. The east coast of North America is reporting recent snowfalls of more than a metre. Unfortunately, Scotland is reverting to typical patchy snow, Arctic winds and horizontal rain. Passo Tonale, in Italy, tops the snow charts, with more than five and a half metres at the highest runs. For snow conditions see www.skiclub. co.uk. Free six-day outlooks at www.snow-forecast.com.
Resort of the week: St Anton, Austria
It’s a little out of the way, it can be rowdy, crowded, intimidating for beginners and clogged with ski bums, and by Austrian standards it’s expensive. Yet St Anton is spoken of in reverential tones by skiers worldwide. Just having been to St Anton is worthy of respect, a mark of attainment. The world, according to some skiers, is divided into those who have and those who haven’t “done St Anton”.
Its snow record, remarkable on- and off-piste skiing and traditional Tyrolean layout is what makes St Anton one of the world’s greatest resorts. There is not a lot for nonskiers to do, but the scenery and setting are pretty enough to lounge the days away.
Resort height1,304m.
Range1,304-2,810m.
Lifts85.
Total runs280km.
Longest run10km.
Best runThe Valluga routes. This legendary series of off-piste bowls, corries and gullies that starts at the highest point in the region and ends mid-mountain lures skiers from around the world.
SnowparksOne.
Season lengthDecember to mid-April.
Snow reliability****
Who goesAccomplished northern European skiers who love the nightlife and hard skiing. Gap-year students from England and Ireland aspiring to be ski instructors.
ValueStrict and sensible planning has limited the spread of the village and the amount of accommodation, restaurants and shops. The result is that St Anton quickly fills up, so prices can get steep compared with most Austrian resorts.
Insider tipsFor wide, empty, lifted linked runs head to the Albona area, above Rauz. If you value sleep, make sure your hotel is not in the centre of town. St Anton gets very lively and noisy during peak season.
AirportsSalzburg, Innsbruck, Friedrichshafen.
Tour operatorsCrystal, Directski, Topflight.
Kitwatch
Thermals have made huge leaps in style over the past few years. Gone is the limited choice that invariably led to that white-underwear look. Flattering body huggers made of lingerie-thin high-tech material are now available in a range of colours, styles and fits.
Cold-weather specialist Under Armour (www.underarmour.com) has launched a ColdGear range that includes a stylish top for €50. It is available from Elverys Sports shops nationwide and from
Arnotts on Henry Street, Dublin (both online at
www.buy4now.com).
5 for Paddy’s Day
Les Deux Alpes, France.
Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Butte, Montana.
Faraya, Lebanon.
Söll, Austria.
What’s on
The Alps’ biggest end-of-season concert, which routinely attracts 20,000 to its Top of the Mountain concert, takes place in Ischgl, in Austria. This year’s headliner is keen snowboarder and petite Aussie Kylie Minogue. The three-day festival takes place on the first weekend in May. A three-day ski pass, including entry to the concert, costs €108. www.ischgl.com.
Twin tips
The Ski Club of Great Britain has a network of resort reps in the mountains. Join the club and you can meet up for free guided tours of ski areas. This is ideal for single travellers and curious intermediates. See www.skiclub.co.uk.
Start looking now for next season's purchases. Shops are looking to get in their spring stock, so bargains can be had. Ski-boot styles shift only slightly from year to year, so check out Snow+Rock ( www.snowandrock.com) and Great Outdoors ( www.greatoutdoors.ie) for options, make sure to spend a little extra, and get your boots fitted properly.
And finally
This season a series of fatal accidents, including one involving a German MP, has increased the likelihood of helmet-wearing becoming compulsory. Crowded pistes and improvements in equipment have led to increased speeds on the slopes, which means collisions are becoming more frequent. Nip in before the law and get yourself kitted out from €30.
This is the final Go Ski column of the season