Baqueira Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees opened a week early for the 17-18 ski season last weekend and the resort, one of the country's largest, say the 4,500 skiers and boarders visited to enjoy the snow. 30km of slopes divided between 28 runs were open with early season snow depths up to 50cm.
Baqueira's central area was open with all ski lifts in operation except the Pla de Baqueira gondola and the TDS (express chairlift). The Bosque, Mirador, Era Cabana and Jorge Jordana TDS and the Esquirós chairlift were all working. In addition the Rabadá ski lifts and the three magic carpets in the beginner area were also available.
Besides Baqueira, a second Spanish resort, Masella, also opened with nine runs open and a 35km snow base.
The French Pyrenean resort of Porte Pymorens has also opened early, in its case a 2km trail, and it will be joined by a second French Pyrenees ski area, Les Angles, his coming weekend.
Part-opening from Friday, Les Angles (pictured top) will have seven pistes open, adding up to 10km of skiing.
Ski areas in Andorra are expected to start opening at the start of December.