Ski areas are reporting superb conditions after the latest snow storms to hit the Alps, the second in less than two weeks, move away.
After blizzard conditions on Wednesday and Thursday many resorts now have clear blue skies and are showing images of pristine white slopes.
18 glacier areas are currently open in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. Verbier has announced it will open for the season three weeks ahead of schedule, tomorrow, with skiing down to Attelas (2,727m). They report 40cm of fresh snow.
Hintertux in Austria has one of the biggest areas open in the world at present with 40km of runs open over a 1150m vertical. It reports a 185cm base and powder conditions.
There have been reports of big snowfalls in France such as at Serre Chevalier (pictured above) but so far no resorts are planning to open early and join Tignes which is the only centre open there at present.
Elsewhere in the world resorts are opening in North America today and tomorrow following Lake Louise opening, the first in Canada, yesterday. Keystone and Copper in Colorado are due to open as are Boreal and Mt Rose in California and Mt Norquay in Alberta.