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Moon rising above Leukerbad, Switzerland: after the rain, before the new snow, 30 December 2009 (click on image to view larger)

Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Precipitation is not in short supply in Switzerland at the moment, but the picture from the mountain-tops has been mixed: heavy rain in most areas all day Wednesday 30 December, and into the night, washed away much of the snow below 2,000 metres in the Alps. The Jura was short on snow to begin with and the rain did not improve things.

But temperatures have been dropping and as of 10:00 Thursday morning snow is back in the Alps, down to 800 metres: it is snowing heavily in the Sion-Brig resorts area (Anzeres, Crans-Montana, Saas-Fee, Zermatt).

Jura report, from Shirley Curran

The Jura resorts are all poised ready for the big snow which is taking its time to appear this year. Harsh weather conditions mean that you are probably better off by a log fire with a good book this weekend.

Alpine resorts report

When the snow and snowplows look like this at 1,000 metres, you know the skiing is getting better up above!

Snowing hard at 1,000m near Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 10:00 Thursday 31 December

All regions: use care if you’re considering going off-piste: High temperatures plus fresh snow = increased avalanche danger, with the SLT (federal avalanche institute) bulletin indicating “considerable avalanche danger widespread” (level 3), throughout canton Valais and the northern flanks of the Alps, which includes the higher resorts in canton Bern.

Crans-Montana Friday night skiing, from 19:00-22:00, should be good New Year’s day, but check after Thursday evening. Cost: CHF15.

The 6 km luge run at Aminona is one of the best in Switzerland, but not for those with bad backs or weak stomachs. Great fondue at the Petit Mont Bonvin restaurant. Cost of the run: CHF10-35 depending on age and how long you want to spend doing it. They provide the special sleds. New Year’s Eve party at the Violette restaurant.

Verbier Most of the runs are functioning (24 of 34), but New Year’s Eve events on the slopes have been cancelled, following yesterday’s rain. Snow is forecast from Thursday to Saturday and at 10:00 Thursday it is 2C at 1,800 metres, with 29cm fresh snow at 2,000m.

Zermatt This resort is more blessed than most for winter weather as a rule, and this week is no exception: it was the driest spot in Switzerland Wednesday, when deluge was the word for most of the country. Almost all of the lifts are open and snow conditions are good. Lifts map

Check out other resorts’ weekend activities and snow reports on their official web pages: Anzeres, Gstaad, Leysin, Muerren/Grindelwald/Wengen area, Saas-fee (note some good family deals for local tourists), Vercorin/Zinal area, Villars

High mountains New Year’s weekend weather forecast

(SLT) “On New Year’s Eve in northern regions and in the Valais, 5 to 10 cm of snowfall is anticipated, in far western regions as much as 15 cm. The snowfall level is expected to drop down to 1400 m. The midday temperature at 2000 m will be minus 2 degrees. A still strong southwesterly wind will be blowing at high altitudes during the night, tomorrow during the day it will slacken off to moderate.”

New Year’s day: “On New Year’s Day it will be variably cloudy, accompanied by a bit of snowfall in western and northern regions. On Saturday it will be variable and overcast amidst northwesterly winds, and snowfall is anticipated down to low lying areas. In southern regions it will be quite sunny. The avalanche danger is expected to recede somewhat before again escalating slightly in northern regions on Saturday.”