After a few days which have seen temperatures hit +10C in parts of the Alps, the mercury is plummeting again and heavy snowfall has arrived or is expected over the next 24-36 hours. Then after a dry Saturday for many, a second front will bring a multi-day snow-storm which will last up to Christmas Eve for some resorts.
Altogether 5-day totals could top a metre or more above 2,000m in the Central and Western Alps, at least half-a-metre down in the valleys where it is most needed.
French ski areas should be particularly well with the 3 Valleys expecting 20-50cm by tomorrow evening, then a further 60cm (two feet) or so from Sunday to Christmas Eve.
The snowline will drop to sea level with temperatures constantly below freezing and overnight lows down as far as -22C at 3,000m.