Heavy snow in the Alps and the US has breathed new life into one of the best seasons of the decade, with powder snow in plentiful supply. French La Plagne (165-190cm) has 40cm of new snow, clearing for perfect sunny conditions yesterday, marred only by soft lower slopes in the afternoon. Avoriaz (220-245cm) has fresh powder, groomed on piste, ungroomed off piste.

The Ski Club of Great Britain described Austrian skiing this week as incredible with up to 100cm of new snow in places providing superb powder conditions in Lech (210-300cm). Inevitably there have been some lift closures due to avalanche risk, so caution is advised for off piste skiers until conditions stabilise. Swiss Andermatt (170-500cm) will have phenomenal powder when the current bad weather clears, as will Saas Fee (135-359cm) when high winds abate. With 100cm of new snow, the Bernese Oberland is also superb.

There is yet more snow forecast for the Alps this weekend with the heaviest snowfall expected in Switzerland and Austria. Austria's Hintertux should have 60cm, the Arlberg 50cm and St Anton some 30cm of new snow. After a warm day today it will become colder in France with 20cm of new snow due in Isola 2000 by Tuesday. Up to 50cm of powder snow will fall in the western US resorts which will stay cold (Jackson Hole -25C). In contrast, resorts in the eastern US have spring warmth to be followed on Sunday by rain at most levels.