After a long hot summer in mainland Europe the weather finally seems to be settling down and some big snowfalls are forecast over the coming three days for higher slopes in the Alps.
This is great news for the continent's glaciers as the above-average temperatures for much of the summer has largely removed snow cover from most of them, causing several to temporarily close whilst they are unable to offer snow sports.
It is also potentially good news for ski areas in Austria in particular where half-a-dozen glacier resorts planned to open from early September for their 17-18 ski season with big 'Season opening' festivals planned later in the month or in early October including new season gear tests. These were under threat without fresh snow arriving.
Up to 60cm of fresh snow is being forecast with today (Friday 1st September) and tomorrow likely to see the biggest accumulations.
The first snowfall was reported by French resort Alpe d'Huez last night, posting the picture above.
September is also seen as a key sales month for British tour operators and the wider ski industry as skiers and boarders focus on planning their ski holidays as the summer ends so a good early dump of snow is definitely good for business.