La Niña and Its Impact on Snowfall in the European Alps – Winter 2025/26

If you are planning a ski holiday in 2025/26, the fact that this winter is a La Niña year might be the good news you are looking for.

As winter 2025/26 approaches, skiers and snowboarders across Europe are eagerly waiting for the first snowflakes to fall in the Alps. For ski resorts, understanding long-term climate patterns is key to preparing for a successful season. One of the most important global weather drivers this year is La Niña, a climate phenomenon that can significantly shape snow conditions in the Alps. But what exactly is La Niña, and what could it mean for your ski holiday this winter? Let’s take a closer look.

What is La Niña?

La Niña is part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which describes shifts in ocean and atmospheric conditions across the tropical Pacific. While El Niño brings warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, La Niña is its cooler counterpart, marked by unusually cold waters in the central and eastern Pacific.

These temperature changes don’t just stay in the Pacific. They influence global weather systems, shifting storm tracks and temperature patterns across the planet, including Europe.

How La Niña Shapes Global Weather

La Niña’s cooling effect ripples across the globe, producing some well-documented impacts:

• Wetter conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia
• Drier, warmer weather in parts of South America and the southern U.S.
• Colder, snowier winters across parts of North America

But what about Europe?

The Alps, in particular, often feel the knock-on effects of La Niña in the form of colder, snowier winters, great news for skiers and snowboarders.

La Niña and the European Alps in Winter 2025/26

For the Alps, La Niña winters tend to bring a blend of cold air, moisture, and snowfall, a perfect recipe for ski season. Here’s what that means this year:

Increased Snowfall

Colder air combined with wetter conditions often results in above-average snowfall. Resorts across the French, Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps could benefit from early-season snowfalls and strong snowpack development heading into peak season.

Lower Temperatures

La Niña winters usually deliver colder-than-average conditions. Not only does this keep natural snow in great shape, but it also supports artificial snowmaking when needed, helping resorts maintain reliable coverage on pistes.

More Variable Weather

While La Niña often enhances snowfall, it can also bring periods of variability, heavy snowfalls followed by drier spells. Resorts will need to be flexible, but overall, conditions are likely to lean towards snowier-than-normal.

Preparing for a La Niña Winter in the Alps

For ski resorts and mountain lovers alike, a La Niña winter means opportunity, but also preparation. Snowmaking & Slope Management: Even with above-average snowfall, reliable snowmaking ensures consistent slope conditions. Avalanche Safety: More snow can increase avalanche risks. Resorts will need strong safety measures and clear communication with guests. Flexible Planning: Skiers and snowboarders should stay updated on forecasts, making the most of big snow weeks when they come.

Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead

All signs point to La Niña giving the European Alps a snowy boost for winter 2025/26. Resorts are likely to enjoy strong early-season conditions, reliable snow cover, and plenty of powder days for visitors. For skiers and snowboarders, this winter could be one to remember, so get ready to hit the slopes and make the most of what La Niña has to offer.