So January has given way to February and the ski season is set to be one of the best ever! Whilst the snow came late - the first weekend in December was when most resorts in Europe saw their first big snowfalls - it came in abundance. Following a white Christmas and New Year, January provided massive snowstorms - including the big "snowmageddon" storm which trapped holidaymakers in Zermatt for a few days whilst roads were cleared and avalanche risk was at the maximum 5.
More snow during the month now means that resorts are boasting record snowfalls for this time of year. The Paradiski area were quick to point out in a recent press release that they have recorded the most January snow in the area since 1966 - and they're not the only ones!
February is starting with a very cold spell as Arctic air covers most of Europe. If you're heading out to the mountains this weekend make sure you have those thermal baselayers packed - and don't forget snoods, mitts, face masks even. Temperatures in most alpine resorts are going to plummet to around minus 20 at most and with wind chill it won't be unusual to have -35/-40 at the top.
At the moment the forecasts are not showing anymore snow on the horizon - at these temperatures it's probably too cold to snow! However the cold temperatures will keep the snow in excellent condition.
With snow depths over the 3 meter mark in most places - which for January is a fantastic amount - winter 2011-12 is shaping up to be tremendous - something we're all happy about, especially after Europe's drought of last year. So if you've not yet booked your ski or snowboard trip then get out there and enjoy it!
A very cold, but beautiful morning in the Alps - taken this morning in Flaine as the sun starts to come over the mountain and cut through the wispy early morning clouds.