CryoSCOPE Snow Science Winter School 2027 ¶

The Snow Science Winter School provides early career scientists with training in modern techniques for snow characterization, supporting research in fields such as polar studies, hydrology, climate science, remote sensing, and avalanche dynamics. The training combines classroom-based theoretical lessons with field practice in small groups of 3–4 students, focusing on modern measurement techniques such as high-resolution penetrometry, optical instruments for determining snow specific surface area, and X-ray tomography. Beyond technical knowledge, the school emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills through the analysis, comparison, and discussion of collected field data, complemented by additional inputs such as model simulations and satellite observations. 

The course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, working in snow and cryosphere-related disciplines, who plan to conduct field measurements of snow or use such data in their research. In exceptional cases, undergraduate students may also be considered. 

The Snow School follows a well-established daily structure: classroom lectures in the morning, hands-on field experiments in the afternoon, and data analysis in the evening. Students are supervised by a team of lecturers, experts in various snow-related fields.

Field measurements will be conducted in small groups of 3–4 students. Each group will prepare a presentation and report summarizing the methods, results, and interpretation of the data collected during the week. To make the most of the course, participants are expected to review the provided materials in advance.

The course is equivalent to 3 ECTS credits. To receive full credit, participants must submit a report requiring approximately 40 hours of work, which will be evaluated.

• Dr. Anna Kontu (FMI, Finland)
• Dr. Juha Lemmetyinen (FMI, Finland)
• Dr. Kévin Fourteau (Météo-France)
• Dr. Fabian Wolfsperger (WSL-SLF, Switzerland)
• Dr. Benjamin Walter (WSL-SLF, Switzerland)

The participation fee is CHF 350, which includes accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to Rovaniemi.

Due to the limited number of places and the high level of interest, admission to the course follows a two-step process:

1. Application - You will first apply to the course by filling the online application form. Applications will open on October 1st and will close on November 1st 2026, 24:00 UCT. The link to the online application is here. 

2. Registration - You will receive an invitation to register, based on the committee's assessment of your application, before November 15, 2026. Please register by before November 30, 2026, 24:00 UCT, otherwise your place will be allocated to another candidate.

As the course relies heavily on fieldwork, participants are required to:

1. Bring their own winter gear suitable for snowy and cold conditions (e.g., layered warm clothing, windproof outerwear, snow boots, thick gloves or mittens, thermal underwear, etc.).

2. Be prepared to spend several hours outdoors in winter conditions during field activities.

3. Hold valid travel and health insurance