It should be another quiet week before the February rush. Conditions have been excellent, particularly the Swiss and high-altitude French resorts. More snow is forecast across the Italian Dolomites.

Austria

Soll (* *) is in desperate need of new snow and the pistes are slushy and hard going by the end of the day. Obergurgl (* * *) has been lucky enough to receive a light dusting of new snow this week.

France

Argentière (* * *) has some excellent powder off piste and soft conditions on piste. The new snow in Méribel (* * *) has created some great conditions at altitude. Serre Chevalier (* * * *) has new snow and some fantastic both on- and off-piste conditions.

Switzerland

Fresh snow this week has refreshed the pistes and created a winter wonderland. Great powder on and off piste and extremely quiet slopes all add up to fantastic ski condi tions in Verbier (* * * *). Crans Montana (* * *) has benefited from the new snow. Zermatt (* * * *) still has excellent conditions.

Italy

Cervinia (* * * *) has some fresh snow although conditions can become heavy in places. La Thuile (* * *) has plenty of good snow at altitude.

Andorra

On-piste conditions in Pas de la Casa (* * *) are fair and the best snow can be found on the upper slopes.

North America

Aspen (* * *) has good on piste conditions but off piste is variable. A good fall of snow is needed for perfect off piste powder skiing. New snow is forecast for California including Squaw Valley (* * *) and Mammoth Mountain (* * *). In Canada, the Banff Ski Area (* * *) has good on-piste skiing but has not had any fresh snow for over a week.

Key to conditions: No snowflakes = a serious lack of snow - no lifts open. * = poor snow conditions, very few lifts open. * * = conditions reasonable, some slopes in poor condition. * * * = plenty of good skiing. * * * * = good conditions. * * * * * = fantastic on and off piste. For the latest snow conditions in more than 250 resorts, check out www.skiclub.co.uk.