Val d'Isère locals (Avalins) call it the return of the east, an unusual phenomenon when two weather fronts meet at the Fornet end of the valley bringing localised heavy snow on the Lombarde wind. Thus 50cm powder fell overnight on the Pissaillas glacier, delighting local skiers, while the rest of Val D'Isère (132cm-188cm) had a mere 5cm above 2,500m.

Below this altitude it has been raining across the Alps, but all areas have had their share of spring skiing; best on upper slopes, slushy in the afternoons. Off piste avalanche risk is significant (3/5 to 4/5 in places) so it is essential to take local advice, particularly in Isola 2000 (160cm-315 cm) which was closed yesterday until conditions stabilise.

Swiss skiing is led by Zermatt (55cm-408cm) which is excellent at altitude, slushy below, with off piste so variable that piste skiing is preferable. Austrian resorts have remained warm this week, with St Wolfgang (245cm-280cm) being typical; a superb base marred by warmth (9C) and only two lifts operating. The snow at St Anton (105cm-340cm) has held better in cooler temperatures.

French resorts hope for 5cm-20cm new snow, but a freezing level of 2,300m means rain will fall on lower slopes.

In the American west January levels of snowfall (45cm) and temperature (-14C at Breckenridge summit) will enhance already superb conditions, but in the east there will be widespread rain until Tuesday.