Ski resorts across the Alps are reporting bumper business over Christmas and New Year, crediting the generally good conditions to be found in most areas.
In France the Association Nationale des Maires des Stations de Montagne reported bookings running at 70%, up 3% on last winter, with the biggest numbers growth coming in the northern Alps and in the Pyrenees. January bookings are also running at 3% above average.
There had been concerns that ongoing rail strikes in France might depress numbers but if so the growth would have been even greater without them.
There are similar reports across the Alps. Yesterday Saas Fee in Switzerland announced all 2,900 car parking spaces it had were full by 10am and advised anyone arriving after then they would not be allowed in, recommending arriving by bus instead as, "More environmentally friendly and more fun."
Unlike many recent Christmas/New Year holiday periods most ski areas in the Alps are fully (or almost fully) open thanks to good November and December snowfalls and it has also been largely sunny since Christmas. So most grumbles, if there are any, now are of crowded slopes and lift queues.