With less than 20 ski areas still open in Europe since last winter (among them, Cairngorm in Scotland!) it seems the 2009–10 ski season can finally be determined as over. Exactly when one ski season ends and the nest begins is a matter of some debate because there’s always at least 30 or so ski areas open somewhere in the world, and mid-May is the quietest time of year before resorts begin to open in the southern hemisphere, and some of Europe’s leading resorts re-open for summer skiing and boarding on their glaciers.

There were great skiing conditions on the European glaciers on Monday. The recent cold weather left the snow in excellent condition, especially across Austria.Many glacier resorts opened more lifts over the weekend.

Kitzbuhel in Austria recorded their earliest ever opening this weekend. A small area was opened for skiing on Saturday after exceptional early-season snowfall.

All of our reported Australian resorts are now closed for snowsports.