With your head in the clouds, and also keeping your feet in reality
In the mountains, accounting for the permanent circulation of hot and cold air with a variable degree of humidity and the influence of the reliefs and differences attributed to altitude, this is the real life in 3D!
When the air encounters an obstacle, a mountain peak for example, it is forced to rise, this is called orographic uplift*, its pressure is reduced, it is accompanied by a cooling of the water vapor with formation of clouds at the summits, stationary clouds in the form of waves. One of the most famous is the “bonnet d’âne” on Mont Blanc.
Meteorological phenomena are complex in the mountainous massifs due to the temperatures, the strength of the winds and a multitude of factors intervene for a very variable and varied result, often accompanied by a sky worthy of true artistic achievements!
Clouds are one of the most significant representations of this, they are also excellent indicators for optimizing the planning of an outdoor activity according to the weather to come.
For activities such as hiking or mountaineering, it is relevant to have a basic understanding of mountain weather, where the weather can change quickly and surprise people who are not prepared.
There are many guides to familiarize yourself with the subject, as well as the translation of cloud shape into weather forecasts.
Here there are some non-exhaustive standards concerning clouds.
Cumulus clouds are synonymous with a sunny day without a change in weather. If the Cumulus turns to Cumulonimbus, it is indicative of stormy weather but if the clouds have the appearance of hair, it is the cirrus which announce the arrival of a warm front.
Having fun finding shapes in the clouds is an ideal family activity, easy, accessible at any time, perfect for relaxing and letting your imagination run wild.
Mountain weather, a very serious subject
It should be remembered that in the mountains, the differences in climatic manifestations are significant just a few kilometres away.
For example, when an air mass, driven by very strong winds, is blocked against a mountain, there can be a temperature delta of up to 10C between mountain faces.
This is called the foehn effect, which in the strictest sense of the word means: wind from the region of the Alps. In short, on the side most exposed to the air mass, it is cold and humid and on the other side it is hot and dry, like a kind of local microclimate.
For precise information on weather conditions, do not hesitate to turn to local weather stations and the regular bulletins they issue.
Tignes weather information forecasts are regularly made available to everyone and for all seasons.
It is the mountain people who talk about it best
The mountain’ weather, it is indeed the mountain people who talk about it best!
Listen to the stories of those who made history, learn about local legends and tales, feed on anecdotes to better understand what it means to live in the mountains.
Going to meet the people of the area, apprehending local life, this is an approach that we encourage at Stay with us resorts.
*Orography: comes from the ancient Greek ὄρος, “mountain”, and γραφή, “writing”.
