Variable but optimistic weather

The good news is that temperatures are not expected, or only barely, to rise above 0°C in Crans-Montana this week. While recent editions on the Haut-Plateau, often held in late February or early March, have seen spring-like temperatures, conditions should remain below freezing this time, offering favourable snow conditions.

As for the sky, it may be less clear than Valais has often experienced. The expression “whiteout” could be on many lips over the coming days. For the first training session ahead of the women’s downhill on Wednesday, visibility may be limited. “We will therefore reinforce the presence of blue lines on the slope to ensure safety,” noted Women’s World Cup Director Peter Gerdol during the team captains’ meeting on Tuesday. “The sky will be cloudy, but we should remain dry until the afternoon,” reassured event meteorologist Frédéric Glassey. “As for the wind, after gusts of up to 80 km/h on Tuesday evening, it will ease and should not be an issue for the rest of the week.”

“Snow will not be an issue”

The presence of the foehn on the Haut-Plateau means that most weather disturbances will avoid the Valais Alps this week, contrary to what was expected a few days ago. When they do reach the canton, they are likely to be less intense. Precipitation, starting during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, will be light at altitude, or even non-existent. In the worst case, a few centimetres of fresh snow could dust the Mont Lachaux slope and the Nationale slope.

This could give organisers some additional work to clear the snow, which might cause slight delays to the programme. “Snow will not be an issue. On Thursday morning, there may be a few residual flakes and perhaps some fog. The main challenge over the coming days will be light conditions.” In any case, no women’s race can be postponed beyond Saturday.

“Very little risk of cancellation”

“We are not in a high-pressure week,” adds Frédéric Glassey from MeteoNews. “Race comfort may vary, but there is very little risk of cancellation. We should be able to guarantee at least one training session for the women and one for the men, and acceptable conditions for the weekend races. Especially since in Crans-Montana, the main issue is usually the foehn, which will not be strong this year.” With temperatures remaining below zero, salt bags should stay unused this time.

Photo credits: Deprez-Dubuis