White Christmas and then off to the ski slope?
Snow at Christmas 2025 will be a certainty only in the highest mountain regions. Areas above 1,500 meters, such as the Alps and Germany’s Zugspitze, already have snow cover that should last through the holidays. Elsewhere, however, the chances of a white Christmas remain slim, with mild and often wet conditions expected at lower elevations.
Forecasters predict patchy rain and snow showers in the days leading up to Christmas, but significant fresh snowfall is unlikely even in alpine zones.
On Wednesday, Christmas Eve, light drizzle may briefly turn to snowflakes in the Alpine foothills, northwestern Switzerland, and the Jura region. This will bring only a dusting, creating a faint wintry feel but little accumulation. Meanwhile, strong to storm-force winds will whip up whatever snow is present, making temperatures feel bitterly cold.
The southern Alps will see intermittent rain on Wednesday afternoon and again on Christmas Day. Here, the snow line will drop to between 500 and 1,000 meters, bringing 10 to 20 centimetres of fresh snow to higher elevations. By contrast, northern areas will dry out by Christmas, with the Alps enjoying sunshine and the lowlands experiencing a mix of sun and fog through the weekend and into the new year. Below 1,500 meters, snow remains scarce, and even at higher altitudes, depths are below the long-term average. Ski resorts relying on artificial snowmaking can still maintain decent piste conditions. Statistically, white Christmases in lowland areas like Bern occur only once every four years. Above 1,600 meters, however, a green Christmas is almost unheard of. The snowfall line is expected to fluctuate between 800 and 1,200 meters over the holiday period. While no major snowfall is forecast, the existing snow in high mountain regions should hold, ensuring a festive atmosphere for those at altitude.
For those hoping for snow this Christmas, only the highest peaks will deliver. Resorts above 1,500 meters can count on a white holiday, while lower areas will likely see rain, patchy fog, or brief flurries at best. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts will find the best conditions in high-altitude locations or resorts with artificial snowmaking facilities.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
