Snow is falling in the Alps, bringing to an end a long period of sunny and often warm weather through much of March.
Temperatures have dipped down below freezing in most areas and some resorts have reported -10C or below on higher slopes above 2,500m.
The cold weather is expected to continue into next week with most areas seeing the heaviest snowfall over the next 48 hours into the weekend.
Snow forecasters have reported most areas will see at least 15cm (6″) accumulations although some may see 1-2 feet (30-60cm) in total by early next week, which will transform conditions.
The first schools across Europe have begun breaking up for the Easter holidays.
(Ski Jewel region in Tirol)
