Ski resorts continue to receive snowfall, just in time for the winter season proper. Although it is still relatively early in the season, things are looking good for the months to come. Recent days have seen significant snowfall and low temperatures around Europe and North America, and more and more resorts are starting to open.

First snow storm of the season IN THIS PHOTO : ] Emmet Rice, 11 jumps off a picnic table during Minnesota's first snow storm in Pearl Park in South Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Kyndell Harkness)

This week has seen snowfall across the major European ski resorts. Skiing can be enjoyed in Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Finland at the moment. Some resorts are expecting upwards of 80cm of snowfall this week and more snow is forecast across these resorts for the coming week. Next weekend could see some sunny spells with intermittent snow and cloud.

Signs of winter: A traffic sign is covered in snow near the German-Austrian border in Balderschwang, southwestern Germany. (AFP/DPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand)

Snow has been falling in USA in large quantities. Colorado in particular is experiencing great conditions with persistent snowfall in nearly all resorts. With more resorts opening in the next two weeks, this snow couldn't come at a better time. Cold weather and further snowfall should ensure that the slopes remain in good condition. After brighter weather in the second half of the week, next weekend should see the snow return once more in Colorado, Utah and Oregon. Temperatures are expected to remain low, sometimes reaching -15℃.

The season is now also underway in Canada with Lake Louise in the Banff area open for snowsports. More resorts are expected to open towards next weekend with fresh snowfall forecast this week. Cloudy skies and low temperatures are expected this week and next weekend across the country. The temperature is forecast to drop as low as -30°C in Alberta this coming weekend. The greatest amount is expected to fall in British Columbia; up to 50cm could fall by Tuesday 23rd November.

Contributed by Sandra Kühni
FIS news
17/11/2010

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