Fresh snow is bringing Christmas cheer to skiers and boarders across Europe.
Reports of 20-30cm of new snow are coming in the J2Ski.com from the Southern and Northern Aps and Pyrenees as well as Scandinavia and Scotland. The Dolomites are expecting heavy snow over the next 24 hours too, according to a spokesman for Dolomiti Superski.
"The wish of a snowy, white Christmas is about to become reality. Heavy snowfall is forecasted for December 25th, for a wonderful end of the year. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!" said the spokesperson from the giant Italian ski region.
The snow so far reported has included 20cm in 24 hours recorded by Cauterets in the French Pyrenees, a foot (30cm) at Auron in the southern French Alps and the same amount at Champorcher over the border in Italy. Bardonecchia reports 50cm.
The snow is good news for areas that have seen little fresh snow in December, although most still have good piste bases thanks to heavy November snowfall and snowmaking during cold periods.
Across the Atlantic there have been similar snowfalls across North America with resorts in Colorado, Utah and on the east coast, Quebec, posting big snowfalls in recent days. Santa stopped in Squaw Valley, California, for a ski (pictured)