Northern Alps
Despite nearly three weeks with little to no significant precipitation, snow cover in the Northern Alps has remained relatively resilient, especially at high altitude where it is still close to seasonal averages. Above roughly 2,000 metres, snow depths remain satisfactory and locally normal for the time of year.
However, conditions have gradually deteriorated at mid-altitudes and on south-facing slopes. Persistent sunshine under anticyclonic weather has accelerated snowmelt, leading to a noticeable rise in the snowline, particularly on steep terrain. As a result, snow cover is now generally below seasonal norms, except at higher elevations.
Current snow depths on north-facing slopes are estimated at:
High-pressure conditions are expected to persist until early January, after which a westerly flow should bring some snowfall to the Northern Alps. Looking further ahead, numerical weather models suggest an increased likelihood of more widespread snowfall around 8 January 2026, potentially improving conditions across both mid- and high-altitude resorts, though amounts remain uncertain at this stage.
Southern Alps
Snow cover across most of the Southern Alps is clearly below average. The only notable exception is the Mercantour massif, where snowfall around Christmas, also affecting parts of the Italian border regions from Ubaye to Thabor, has brought conditions closer to seasonal norms.
Elsewhere, the last significant snowfall occurred in early December, and snow depths are often among the lowest observed for this period since 2015. Over the coming week, cold but dry conditions are expected to persist, offering little improvement.
Typical snow depths on north-facing slopes are:
Any meaningful recovery will likely depend on broader synoptic changes expected in the second week of January.
Pyrenees
The Pyrenees present a strong east - west contrast. Following a particularly active easterly return, snow cover in the Eastern Pyrenees (Cerdagne–Canigou and Capcir–Puymorens) has become well above seasonal averages above 1,700 m, and even exceptionally high on the Canigou massif.
In contrast, the rest of the Pyrenees has seen only light snowfall over the past week. Snow cover generally begins around 1,300 m on north-facing slopes and is close to seasonal norms, though locally slightly deficient.
Snow depths are currently around:
Western Pyrenees:
Eastern Pyrenees:
150 cm or more above 2,000 m on the Canigou
From 3 January onwards, snowfall may return to the western Pyrenees, with further disturbances potentially affecting the entire range during the second week of January.
Corsica
Corsican massifs have taken on a decidedly wintry appearance following repeated snowfall events up to 26 December. Snow cover is now good to locally above average at high altitude, particularly above 2,000 - 2,200 m.
At mid-altitude, however, snow remains deficient, as insufficient cold meant many precipitation events fell as rain rather than snow.
Jura Mountains
Snow cover remains virtually absent across the Jura massif due to persistent dry anticyclonic conditions. Only isolated patches remain on the High Jura ridges above 1,400 m, along with artificially maintained snow in areas such as Les Rousses. It is also possible to classic ski at la Massacre.
Vosges
Natural snow cover in the Vosges has diminished to sporadic, insignificant traces, with no meaningful snow depth currently observed.
Massif Central
Snow cover across the Massif Central is very limited. Some residual snow persists on the highest peaks of the Cantal and Sancy, with 6 cm measured at 1,405 m at the Prat-de-Bouc automatic station. Elsewhere, conditions remain largely snow-free. There have been some reports of nordic ski touring at Mont Lozère in the Loire.
Outlook for Early January 2026
While early January begins under relatively stable conditions, weather models increasingly point toward a more unsettled pattern around 7–9 January, potentially allowing colder air and renewed snowfall, particularly across the Alps and Pyrenees. If confirmed, this could significantly improve snow conditions at mid-altitude resorts, which have so far been the most affected this season.