With the exception of the Pyrénées, most European resorts had two significant snowfalls this week, heaviest in the western Alps. Snowfalls have in places been even better than forecast with Val d'Isere receiving 100cm of fresh snow and Austrian Lech/Zürs 40cm. Skiing should start soon in Scotland when current storms abate. The US and Canada have stayed cold but there is little new snow there, reports the SCGB.

Links between French Val d'Isère and Tignes (82–140cm) are now open. Les Deux Alpes (10–100cm) is also ideal after 30cm new snow. Resorts in the Three Valleys (30–140cm) are expected to open tomorrow with links between resorts.

Austrian resorts are revelling in fresh powder in Kaprun (50–100cm), Pitztal (36–164cm) and Solden (15–130cm), although high winds have caused some temporary lift closures. Swiss skiing is currently more limited in Crans (25–40cm) and Flims (25–75cm) but Gstaad/Les Diablerets (20–125cm) looks promising after 100cm of new snow. More lifts should open soon. Italian snowfall has also been modest, but Val Senales (30–70cm) looks good for the weekend with nine lifts open.

It will clear tonight for blue skies and great Alpine skiing today. Cloud cover will again build to bring light new snow over the weekend. Up to 15cm of new snow is expected in Canadian Whistler. Colorado (US) will stay cold (–9C by day, –20C at night). Stowe (eastern US) will have light snowfall.