Heavy early-season snowfall has pushed several ski resorts to open earlier than anticipated.
Tignes, in the Rhone-Alps in southeast France, will welcome guests from November 18, a week earlier than expected, reports skisolutions.com.
Kitzbühel in Austria opened last weekend on November 11, two weeks earlier than normal.
Verbier in southwest Switzerland also opened on November 11, three weeks earlier than usual.
The next seven-day forecast is for nearly half a metre of snow across ski resort areas such as Crans Montana, La Plagne, Chamonix and St. Anton.
“Snow accumulations of more than 100cm are quite widespread now on the upper slopes. This will ensure a solid base for the winter ahead,” said Ian McIlrath, Ski Solutions MD.
McIlrath said the fresh snowfall had fuelled demand for early-season skiing holidays. Bookings since the beginning of November are up 20% for December trips.
