More spring like conditions are being reported by many resorts in the southern hemisphere. This means that over in Africa at Lesotho the season is over. However, there has been more fresh snow in South America.
The snow cover is still fairly moderate at the southern end of Argentina on the upper slopes in Las Lenas with 75cm (2.5 feet). There is 215cm (over 7 feet) of snow on the upper slopes of Chapelco and the continent’s biggest resort, Catedral, currently has a 3.2 metre (nearly 11 foot) base on its upper slopes, making it the best in the southern hemisphere at present. It should stay open well in to the autumn.
In Chile, Portillo’s lacklustre season for snow carries on with another inch topping up the unimpressive 45-67cm base in the past week. On a piste where conditions are described as spring like, it’s not too bad, but considering the abundance of off piste powder the resort is famous for, it’s not such good news.
There is a lack of snow in Valle Nevado, which currently has a 40cm (16 inch) base, and hasn’t quite reached a 4m season, with a total accumulation of 397cm to date. Chapa Verde is now closed for winter 2010, and will reopen in June 2011.