Rain has affected some lower slopes of the Alps this week, but Italy and parts of Switzerland have new snow. In the US and Canada, massive falls and low temperatures prompted even British skiers to describe powder conditions as awesome in aptly named Mammoth (California), where 500cm fell in one snowstorm, and in Utah, which had 150cm this week.

Italy rules Europe this week, with up to 25cm fresh on a good base in Madesimo (45-225cm), 20cm in Bardonecchia (50-100cm) and 10cm in Sestrière (80-140cm). Swiss piste conditions remain good after fresh falls in Andermatt (40-190cm), St Moritz (40-150cm) and Saas Fee (48-190cm).

Despite generally warm weather, French Tignes (35-123cm), Val d'Isère (32-123cm) and Pyrenean Cauterets (50-80cm) had a dusting yesterday; La Grave (30-150cm) had 10cm. Austria, also warm,offers good skiing thanks to a good early-season base. Obergurgl (70-172cm) had light snow yesterday while the Serfaus region is fully open with excellent conditions on upper slopes.

New snow and lower temperatures are forecast across the Alps for Christmas day, and the best snowfall is due by new year. Swiss and Italian resorts expect current snowfall to continue past Christmas, with temperatures dropping to -15C. Sun will shine on new snow in Austria and France after Christmas. It will stay cold in most parts of the US. Scotland expects fresh snow in all five resorts by the new year.