what does this mean for the alps this winter?
Could the winter of 2026/27 experience exceptional snowfall in the European Alps? Here at Powder Pines Travel, we are monitoring the seasonal forecasts closely to help you plan your next ski holiday with confidence.
For skiers, few things are more exciting than the prospect of a big snow season. And this winter, a powerful climate phenomenon is making headlines: El Niño is strengthening towards record-breaking levels, with global weather patterns expected to be influenced by its effects.
But what does a warming ocean thousands of miles away mean for the European Alps? Could it bring colder temperatures, heavier snowfall and an exceptional powder season, or could the outcome be rather different?
The answer is complicated. While El Niño can influence atmospheric circulation around the world, its effects on European winter weather are less predictable than in some other regions. The key is to understand what the forecasts are telling us, recognise what remains uncertain, and choose a resort with the right ingredients for reliable snow.
At Powder Pines Travel, we believe the best ski holidays start with informed choices. Here’s our guide to El Niño and the 2026/27 ski season.
what is el niño?
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon in which parts of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean become unusually warm. This can influence weather patterns around the world, changing where storms develop and where heavier rainfall or prolonged dry spells are more likely.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the current El Niño is forecast to become the strongest on record, exceeding the 2015/16 event. However, the strength of El Niño does not translate directly into the volume of snowfall the Alps will receive this season.
Unlike Pacific regions which are more directly affected by the phenomenon, Europe has a less predictable response. El Niño may influence the path of Atlantic storms reaching the Alps, but the temperatures accompanying those storms will determine whether resorts receive fresh snow or rain, particularly at lower elevations.
Some Alpine regions could experience substantial snowfall while others receive considerably less. Even neighbouring resorts can see very different conditions, and the timing of any significant snowfall remains impossible to predict months ahead.
There is also a bigger picture to consider. El Niño can contribute to drought, extreme rainfall and disruption to agriculture and ecosystems in other parts of the world. Its effects are not universally positive, and the prospect of good skiing in one region can coincide with serious socioeconomic and environmental challenges elsewhere.
The Powder Pines persepctive: Rather than trying to predict exactly where the snow will fall, focus on resorts that are well equipped to handle different weather conditions. Want to know more? Chat with our experts.
where should you ski this winter?
When choosing a resort, we recommend looking beyond seasonal snowfall predictions. Altitude, slope orientation, temperature, snowmaking infrastructure and the range of available terrain all influence how well a ski area can retain snow throughout the season.
As a starting point, look for resorts with extensive skiing above 2000m, north-facing slopes that help preserve snow, and reliable snowmaking infrastructure throughout. Glacier access can offer additional high-altitude skiing, although conditions and lift operations will still depend on the weather.
Here are our recommended resorts worth considering for the 2026/27 season.
val thorens
Location: Three Valleys, France
Village altitude: 2300m
Skiing: up to 3200m from the Cime Caron cable car
Powder Pines perspective: Part of the World’s largest ski domain, The Three Valleys, Val Thoren’s high-altitude base, extensive terrain and reliable snowmaking infrastructure make this a strong option for the 2026/27 season.
tignes
Location: Tignes-Val d’Isère, France
Village altitude: 2100m (Tignes Le Lac)
Skiing: up to 3400m on Tigne’s Grande Motte Glacier
Powder Pines perspective: Tignes-Val D’Isère’s extensive high-altitude pistes, glacier terrain and broad range of skiing makes this resort a great contender for this season.
Les arcs
Location: Paradiski, France
Village altitude: 1600m - 2000m (Les Arcs is divided into four main high-ailtitude villages)
Skiing: up to 3200m at the summit of Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs
Powder Pines perspective: The Paradiski area spans a huge network of pistes, access to high mountain terrain and reliable snowmaking infrastructure throughout the resort.
obergurgl
Location: Austria
Village altitude: 1930m
Skiing: up to 3000m
Powder Pines perspective: Obergurgl’s high mountain base, extensive high-altitude terrain and snowmaking infrastructure makes this resort a great choice for this upcoming season.
ischgl
Location: Austria
Village altitude: 1300m
Skiing: up to 2800m
Powder Pines perspective: Ischgl offers extensive high-altitude skiing and reliable snowmaking infrastructure throughout the resort. Given its village is lower than its peak slopes, make sure to check the terrain you plan to ski.
st. anton
Location: Ski Arlberg, Austria
Village altitude: 1300m
Skiing: up to 2800m within the Ski Arlberg network
Powder Pines perspective: With St Anton being connected to the wider Ski Arlberg network, this resort gives you access to varied terrain and plenty of high-altitude slopes. Be aware that its lower village altitude and therefore some lower-altitude runs can be more vulnerable to rain during mild spells.
zermatt
Location: Switzerland
Village altitude: 1600m
Skiing: up to 3800m from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Powder Pines perspective: Located among Switzerland’s highest peaks, Zermatt offers extensive high-altitude terrain and glacier access, making this resort a compelling option both for early or late-seaon adventures.
why book early?
With so much uncertainty around this winter's weather, it can be tempting to wait until December before committing to a ski holiday. But waiting for a clearer forecast doesn't necessarily mean getting a better deal.
Booking early gives you the best opportunity to secure your preferred chalet, dates and resort before availability becomes limited, especially in popular high-altitude destinations during Christmas, New Year and February half-term.
Early planning also gives you a wider choice of accommodation and prices. Last-minute deals are never guaranteed and the most sought-after properties are likely to already be booked.
Our advice is to prioritise the factors you can control: choose a resort with strong snow-reliability credentials and select accommodation that suits your budget and travel style.
No one can promise what the weather will do during a particular week in the Alps. But choosing a resort with high-altitude terrain, good snow preservation and snowmaking infrastructure gives you a stronger starting point as opposed to relying on a seasonal prediction alone.
Ready to plan your 2026/27 ski holiday? Speak to our experts to explore your options and find your next Alpine escape.
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