Snow level in Pyrenees

Climate, snowfall and avalanches in Pyrenees

The Pyrenees form the tallest and snowiest range in Spain, with 18 peaks above 3000 meters. The snow season runs from November to April, peaking in January and February. The typical snow level is 1400 to 1800 m with Atlantic storms, occasionally dropping to 700 m during Siberian outbreaks (recent record: January 2021, 400 m in the Jacetania). Average snowpack at high altitude exceeds 2 m in midwinter, with historical maxima above 6 m on the northern slope. Avalanche risk is high from December to March: the ARAN avalanche bulletin issues the 1-5 index daily, with level 3 (considerable) the most frequent. North and northeast slopes between 30 and 45 degrees are the most dangerous after fresh snowfall with northerly wind. The French side gets more precipitation (foehn effect to the south), but the largest Spanish accumulations occur in Aigues Tortes, Posets-Maladeta and the Navarre Pyrenees. The Aneto (3404 m), Posets (3375 m) and Monte Perdido (3355 m) still preserve residual glaciers in rapid retreat. The mean snow level has risen about 200 m in the last three decades. Ski resorts typically operate December to April: Baqueira-Beret, Formigal, Cerler, Candanchu, Astun, La Molina, Masella, Vall de Nuria, Vallter and Port Aine.