Significant snowfall is expected in the Alps over the next few days, hopefully improving conditions further in the run up to the start of the main ski season just a fortnight away.
Initially 5-20cm accumulations are expected in the northern Alps, today, Friday, then heavier and more widespread snowfall is expected from Sunday.
There are warnings though there could be rain as high as 2,000m altitude before the colder air following turns the precipitation to snow.
Over 100 centres are already open in the Alps and more are set to join them this weekend, including the main resorts in the world's largest ski area, the 3 Valleys.
Most of the natural snowfall to date this autumn is lying above around 2000m altitudes, but lower lying resorts have been able to open some lower-lying terrain thanks to snowmaking, with temperatures cold enough for systems to operate over recent weeks.
The Pyrenees, where centres have been unable to open so far for lack of snow with temperatures too warm for much snowmaking are forecast to see a big temperature drop and huge snowfalls of up to a metre over the next five days. Some centres have confirmed they will start their seasons tomorrow (Saturday 7th).
Pic top is Val Thorens a fortnight ago on 21 Nov 24.