Snow has due to its unique physical properties a profound and rapidly varying influence on the surface energy and water budgets of regions with seasonal snow cover. Heterogeneity, vegetation canopies and the complexity of alpine landscapes present particular challenges for both monitoring and modelling of snow, accentuated by the remoteness of many areas where the snow cover is an important phenomenon of the natural environment. Models of snow processes are required for a wide range of applications in hydrological forecasting, avalanche risk assessment and climate modelling. The scientific background of the workshop theme is defined by the role of snow within the climate system, the generation of melt water resources, and related consequences of global change. It will be focused on all processes and methodologies controlling the spatial and temporal variations in accumulation and melting.

The particular scope of this informal workshop was an exchange of ideas and experiences related with the following snow topics:

• Measurements and monitoring,
• numerical modelling including the coupling with hydrological and climate models,
• remote sensing analyses,
• vegetation interaction,
• wind-induced transport,
• avalanche risk assessment
• and climate change impacts.