Milky Way Snow Conditions

Snow Conditions in Milky Way - World-famous ski area on Italian-French border
The Milky Way ski area in Italy sits on the French border, and encompasses the resorts of Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Claviere and Sansicario, as well as Montgenevre in France. A popular high-altitude region, with famously sunny slopes and an extensive range of skiing and boarding for all levels, the circuit boasts an excellent snow record, with fantastic snow-making facilities set up to boost its already snow-sure slopes.
 
Milky Way Snow Conditions - High-altitude resorts, plenty of skiing above 2,000m 
With its vast network of over 400km of skiable terrain, the Milky Way offers runs for all levels in its varied resorts. The ski centres range in altitude, with Sauze d'Oulx sitting at 1,503m, Claviere and Montgenevre located at 1,800m, and the high purpose-built resort of Sestriere positioned just above 2,000m. Sestriere's location on a high pass ensures great skiing during the season, with reliable snow at this elevation offering ideal conditions and the best access to the circuit. A major international ski centre, the resort had the honour of hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006, thanks to its location and guaranteed snow. All resorts have access to the top elevation in the circuit, 2,823m, with the 145 runs in the area served by an extensive system of over 90 lifts. The terrain in the Milky Way varies from above tree-line skiing to heavily wooded trails through the forests, and takes in wide open greens and long cruising blues, as well as challenging mogul fields and short steeps. Much of the skiing in the Milky Way is best-suited to intermediates, although there are plenty for beginners, and advanced skiers, with a range of off-piste challenges, and excellent heli-skiing on the Italian side.
 
Snow Conditions in Milky Way - North-facing slopes, and a heavy snowmaking operation
Slopes in the Milky Way are mainly a mixture of north-east and north-west facing, with these northerly facing runs ensuring high snow retention and adequate coverage, even at the lowest altitude. There are some south-facing slopes, which see plenty of sunshine, with most covered by snowmaking facilities. The ski area has invested heavily in snowmaking, to boost the already snow-sure pistes, with Sestriere known to have one of the most extensive systems in the world. The ski season runs from December to April, and the best snow is generally found during the peak months of February and March, with upper slope averages for the 2008 - 9 season reaching 248cm - 260cm in these months.