Heavy snowfall has been reported above 2000 metres in the Alps with the precipitation falling as rain on lower slopes.
About 80 ski areas are still open in the region – mostly resorts with glaciers, high altitude snowfields or some other snowsure reputation. The majority will, however, close on Sunday.
The snowfall has been heaviest in the Western Alps, particularly along the Italian border with France and Switzerland.
The biggest accumulation has been reported in the Monterosa region where up to 60cm (two feet) of snow is reported to have fallen in 24 hours on high slopes with rain in the valley.
Most of the ski lifts in the region have now closed but the Passo dei Salati and Punta Indren lifts are still operating (although the Cimalegna-Passo dei Salati chairlift does not operate on weekdays).
Next week from Monday 29 April until Sunday 5 May the lifts from Stafal to the Indren glacier will be open for freeriding.
Other areas are yet to report how much snow they’ve had but forecast totals for other areas included 20cm for Val d’Isere, 30cm for Madesimo and 40cm for Cervinia.
More heavy snow is forecast for Thursday/Friday and there’s also significant snowfall expected in the Pyrenees. Again most resorts are already closed here but Arcalis in Andorra and several areas in the Spanish Pyrenees are still open.