Best early snow hits Austria and Switzerland

Switzerland and Austria are getting some of the best early ski conditions seen in years, according to ski experts.

The Ski Club of Great Britain said that the snow was the best quality seen this season, which has kicked off early at many resorts, following substantial snowfall. The resort of Verbier had 5cm of snow at 1,500 and as much as 40cm higher up at 2,950 metres. And the Austrian resort of St Anton was described as "swimming in snow". Obergurgl, meanwhile, saw more than a metre of snow fall in the run-up to its opening weekend.

The Ski Club of Great Britain said: "Many other resorts may open earlier than planned if the snow continues." Skiers have been pleased by the news and are kicking off their skiing holidays earlier than planned for an extended Christmas break in the mountains.

These resorts are especially popular with those travelling to the continent by cross channel ferry, who can then drive to the resorts through some spectacular scenery winding up into the mountains.