The weather may be very odd this summer, probably caused by the La Niña
weather system’s effect on summer depressions across Northern Europe, but
there could be brilliant skiing conditions at some resorts in the winter.
Meteorologists say that La Niña years usually bring wetter winters in the
northwest of the United States and in parts of the Rocky Mountains in
Canada, with Mount Baker in Washington State and Whistler in British
Columbia, Canada, most likely to benefit from heavy snowfalls.
Conditions could also be better than usual at resorts farther east in Canada,
including Banff in Alberta, according to ski aficionados who monitor snow
levels during La Niña years. But they warn that there could be a danger of a
“snow drought” in resorts in southern Colorado and New Mexico.
The Met Office said that it is difficult to assess the effects of the La Niña
phenomenom, which is caused by cooler sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean,
in the European Alps, although conditions may be wetter, meaning more snow
in January and February. A spokesman said: “There are so many other
conditions in Europe. La Niña is one of many influences.”
Sean Newsom, co-founder of www.welove2ski.com,
a ski advice website, said: “In Mount Baker during the last La Niña there
was so much snow they had to dig channels for the chairlifts. There was 29m
(95ft) in one season.” He advised skiers to monitor the situation. The Met
Office will be issuing its “first indications for winter” for the UK and
Europe in a week’s time.
Details: Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk).
