Heavy snow falls in the alps before ski season starts

A remarkable series of heavy snowfalls has brought up to two feet (60cm) of new snow to the higher slopes of the Alps, raising expectations for the coming winter. Indeed at some glacier ski areas, the 2010–11 season will begin in just a few weeks!

Apartments for sale in French ski resorts

Mountain life is one of the key elements of French culture and living. From the Alps to the Pyrenees and from the Massif Central to the Vosges, they are ideal places to go skiing, indulge in other winter sports, go walking in summer – and of course buy property.

Self drive to the Alps with your family this ski season

France is one of the world’s most popular self drive ski holidays, with people travelling from all over Europe to experience all the exhilaration a week on the piste has to offer. Many French resorts are interlinked to form huge ski circuits, offering you the chance to try out many different places and runs during one trip. Plus with amazing scenery and fantastic après-ski, a French skiing holiday offers unbeatable leisure choices for both day and night.

18 inches of fresh snow falls in the Alps in peak summer time

A snow reporting agency issued two powder alarms for heavy snowfall in the Alps yesterday. The company, which tracks snowfall in over 2,000 ski centres in the northern hemisphere year round issues a powder alarm when a ski area reports at least 20cm (eight inches) of snow falling in 24 hours – and that usually happens between late autumn and early Spring, not in mid-Summer.

A snow reporting agency had issued 69 ‘powder alarms’ by lunchtime today with resorts across the Alps reporting at least 20cm (eight inches) of new snow overnight. French, Austrian and Swiss resorts have all reported healthy falls, with Swiss resorts claiming the biggest falls of up to a foot (30cm) at resorts like Engelberg, Gstaad and Kandersteg.

A snow reporting agency has announced more than 50 ‘powder alarms’ today as heavy snow has been reported across the Alps.

It’s welcome news for resorts which had been suffering mild temperatures after a snowy-start to November – hundreds are now confirming plans to open at the weekend.

A ‘powder alarm’ is automatically triggered when a resort reports more than 20cm (8 inches) of snow has fallen in the previous 24 hours.

Those still looking for a last minute Christmas or New Year break can take advantage of some great deals on ski accommodation in the French Alps with European ski accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances.

The company is offering at least 15 percent off all resorts all season, as well as a free night’s accommodation on selected stays over Christmas week.

In order to help alleviate the effects of the weak pound, Pierre & Vacances is giving 15 percent off all accommodation on all dates throughout the winter season, including breaks over Christmas and New Year.

To celebrate the launch of P&Vs new ski brochure for the 2009/2010 season, the French ski accommodation specialist has announced the introduction of short ski breaks to the French Alps and Pyrenees.

Those booking before the end of October 2009 will be entitled to an early booking discount of 15 per cent off weekend arrivals or four nights for the price of three for midweek breaks.

The short ski breaks, which can be booked for one to four nights, are available at selected properties throughout the ski season and offer greater flexibility for those short of time or on a budget this winter. All of the properties are located in resorts with short transfer times from major airports and train stations, meaning guests can make the most of their time on the slopes. Below we have listed some of the short breaks currently on offer with P&V.