The second big snowstorm of the week is underway in the Alps.
Up to 60cm (two feet) of snow has been reported falling in the past 24 hours, just three days after the previous storm deposited up to 70cm of snow.
With snowfall expected to continue in to the weekend its likely some resorts will have received more than a metre of snowfall in total this week.
Swiss and French resorts have reported the biggest snowfalls so far.
Pictured top is Bonneval sur Arc in the French Alps which is located behind Val d’Isere (below) and has reported 45cm of snowfall in the last 24 hours. Nearby Tignes reports 40cm since yesterday.
Tempête hivernale | Val d'Isère
[⚠TEMPÊTE HIVERNALE]Mise à jour 11:00▪ En raison des chutes de neige et d'une perturbation très active qui persistera toute la journée, le domaine skiable est fermé jusqu'à nouvel ordre.▪ Le risque dû aux avalanches est extrêment élevé (4/5). Nous recommendons aux personnes de s'éloigner des bâtiments à risque.▪ Le parking du Santel est actuellement fermé pour les mêmes raisons.▪ La route entre le Joseray et le Chatelard est fermée, également pour les piétons.🚗 Info routes 👉 https://www.valdisere.com/live/etat-des-routes/-[⚠WINTER STORM]Updated 11:00▪ Due to the active snowfalls and a disturb weather all day long, the ski area remain closed.▪ The avalanche risk is very high (4/5). We recommend to stay away from the risk areas.▪ For the same reasons, the Santel parking lot is closed.▪ The road from Le Joseray to Le Châtelard is closed, also for pedestrians.🚗 Road info 👉 https://www.valdisere.com/en/now/road-conditions/
Posted by Val d'Isère on Friday, 13 December 2019
The snow comes on top of big November falls which saw some resorts receive more than three metres/10 feet of snow last month, meaning bases in the alps are up to four metres deep.
British tour operators are starting their 2019-20 holidays this weekend and report spirits are high with such a snowy start to the season,
“We’re all set for our first flights out to the mountains tomorrow and the snow is looking brilliant, so lots of excited people in Neilson HQ today!” commented the company’s Brand Manager Sonia Turner.