The biggest snowfalls reported in the Western Alps have again passed the metre mark for the second weekend in as row.
At this point we should note:
• It's not everywhere, that's the biggest total reported.
• It's still "a bit mild" with less snow down low.
• There's been extreme weather with it – gales and/or blizzard conditions closing slopes.
• Mild, windy and heavy snow = high avalanche danger, closed slopes and travel disruption until it settles down.
…but that all being agreed, it is "pretty snowy" in most places, especially above 1800 metres, and lots of resorts have lots of fresh snow to start the busy Xmas/New Year fortnight.
It's La Norma in the Northern French Alps that has posted a 115cm (just under four feet) total of snowfall since Friday, taking its upper base (up at 2750m) up to nearly two metres. That said its lower slope base down at 1350m is put at 10cm, meaning much less snowfall or, worse, rain down low.
Airolo in Switzerland has posted the second biggest total of 80cm, with bigger resorts reporting 40-60cm in the past 48 hours including Bormio, Tignes, Madonna di Campiglio, Puy St Vincent and Val Thorens.
The more widespread totals to date are 20-40cm.
It's expected to keep snowing in many areas through today and Monday then start to return to clear skies from Christmas Eve on.