More Heavy Snow In Italy Closes Airport
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Milan airport was reported to be closed at time of posting as the heavy snow that has deluged Italy’s mountains for the past 10 days has returned with added strength.
On the Eastern side of the country the Dolomites received 170cm (nearly six feet) of snow during heavy falls 10 days ago. The latest falls look set to add another 90-120cm (three-four feet) to snow cover.
Although the heavy snow has brought joy to snow fans and ski resorts, it has brought main practical problems too with Skiinfo.com reporting that three skiers have died on Italy’s mountains in the past 48 hours because of the strong avalanche risk. The advice is to stay on the piste for the time being.
Italy has some of the world’s greatest snow depths at present with nearly four metres (over 13 feet) of snow on the Passo Tonale glacier and over three metres (ten feet) at Monte Rosa in the West – home to resorts such as Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna.
Most other ski areas have good coverage too and Cervinia, lift linked to Zermatt in Switzerland, has had 40cm (16 inches) in the past few days alone.
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