Winter has suddenly returned to the Alps. Last week's premature marmots have now scurried back into their burrows as 10cm new snow fell this morning in Val d'Isère (80-160cm). Serious powder is on offer, but beware the avalanche danger which was 4/5 yesterday, meaning that off piste should only be skied with a qualified guide.

Elsewhere in France, Alpe d'Huez (67-145cm) and Vaujany (5-145cm) reported good snowfall yesterday but lower resorts such as La Clusaz (20-190cm) had rain which should turn to snow as temperatures drop over the weekend.

Swiss Saas Fee (46-399cm) and Zermatt (20-408cm) both had 15cm new snow yesterday before the pistes opened, but rain was falling on lower slopes yesterday. Spring skiing has dominated Italian resorts this week but 10cm new snow has improved Cervinia (80-330cm) and Courmayeur (30-160cm).

Austria has been less fortunate with the new snow but Zurs (Arlberg, 75-165cm) expected 20cm yesterday afternoon. Elsewhere upper slopes provide the best skiing while Obertauern (190-300cm) and Kaunertal (240-322cm) have the best depth.

Current snowfalls in the western Alps are expected to continue with dropping temperatures throughout the weekend. The snow should spread east into Austrian resorts. Italian Cervinia expects 70cm new snow over the next few days. Most western resorts in the US and Canada will have new snow.