The ski season has got underway on schedule in the Pyrenees this weekend with ski resorts in Andorran France and Spain all opening for winter 2015-16.
Resorts had been urging their fans to 'keep the faith' for the planned end of November opening date, the traditional start of the season in the region, despite unnerving warm temperatures through much of the month which set back early snowfall and snowmaking efforts in late October.
They were proved right with heavy snowfall the weekend before opening weekend, when up to 50cm accumulations were reported. Subsequently snowmaking systems have been in full operation.
Cauterets in the French Pyrenees (pictured) reported beautiful weather conditions and a turn out of around 2,000 skiers and boarders for opening day.
Resorts in Spain are particularly keen that the season gets off to a good start each winter as there are two public holidays, Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception Day on the first Monday and Tuesday of December meaning skiers book a long weekend in the mountains.
Ski centres in Andorra report bases of 20-50cm.
(Picture Credit: Matthieu Pinaud/cauterets.com)
