European skiing is much improved after this week's fresh falls. Italy again leads the field with up to 120cm of fresh powder. Lower slopes have improved in France while there is still soft snow to be found on and off piste in Switzerland.

Despite the lack of new snow, conditions in Austria have held up well in cold temperatures. Sölden (15-252cm) remains good after regular dustings of new snow this week. Obergurgl (75-190cm) reports 'superb' skiing.

Blue skies and fresh powder have made French Tignes (70-148cm) a dream. Montgenévre (90-170cm) and southern Isola (166-290cm) are also excellent after significant new snow.

Regular snowfall in Swiss Zermatt (18-135cm), Saas Fee (56-235cm) and 39cm of new snow in Mürren have made for ideal conditions.

Italian Madonna (75-203cm) is 'drowning in powder', reports the SCGB, after 119cm of fresh snow, with Sauze D'Oulx (80-140cm) not far behind.

Parts of France, Switzerland and Italy expect more snow today and into the weekend, with Italy again forecast to receive the lion's share. Austria will remain bright over the weekend, with new snow arriving mid-week. Freezing levels across the Alps will rise to around 2000m but temperatures will drop again towards the end of next week.

Nearly a metre of fresh powder fell in Canada's Fernie and there will be further snow in Whistler today and tomorrow, followed by a chill -20C.