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Winter has arrived in the mountains of Europe. In fact, it has been a record-breaking start to the season for Switzerland, where some resorts are opening up to three weeks earlier than planned. Verbier, Saas Fee, Andermatt, and Zermatt all have pistes open at the weekends. Zermatt is expecting more than 55cm of new snow by next Friday, with the majority expected to fall this weekend.

 

The Glacier up on Les Diablerets in the Gstaad Mountain Rides area was open last Thursday, with four lifts turning; 5cm of fresh snow was reported on Wednesday.

Saas Fee has been closed at times recently due to heavy snowfall, so as soon as the slopes are ready it'll make for fantastic skiing. The latest report was approximately 45cm on Thursday.

Andermatt, Crans Montana, Davos, Klosters, Engelberg, Flims/Laax , Grimentz and Zinal are all scheduled to open imminently, providing that snow conditions are suitable.

In Austria, Obergurgl opened on Thursday with 13 lifts operating. It was quite overcast in the resort and visibility was OK. The Stubai Glacier has reopened and there is great skiing available in other Austrian destinations such as the Hintertux, Kaprun, Kaunertal, Pitztal and Solden.

Tignes, in France, received further fresh snowfall this week and more is expected over this weekend.

Italy's glacier destinations of Cervinia, Passo Tonale, and Val Senales are the only Italian resorts currently open for skiing or boarding. The conditions on the higher slopes are very good, and the riding has been further enhanced by this week's fresh snowfall with 20-40cm reported. And more is forecast in Europe over the next week. Zermatt and Saas Fee should receive the greatest amount, with more than 50cm expected. Cervinia should receive a good amount of snow too. The majority of snow in the Alps should fall by tomorrow.

For the very latest snow conditions visit skiclub.co.uk (Twitter: @TheSkiClub)

The Ski Club of Great Britain helps members get the most out of their snowsports with hundreds of discounts on travel, kit and holidays; access to industry-leading snow reports; info and advice on all things wintersport related, and exclusive access to the Ski Club Leader and Ambassador service. Membership costs £63 for an individual, £94 for families, and £24 for beginner members and members aged under 24.