Thousands of Brits' ski holidays ruined - because there's no snow

PA

Thousands of Brits who have planned skiing holidays in the Alps during the run-up to Christmas are having their plans ruined by lack of snow.

Pistes across popular Alpine ski resorts in France and Switzerland have been badly affected by the record-breaking snow shortages during the beginning of the ski season.

French resorts including the Grands-Montets at Chamonix, Meribel and Megeve are shut, while Les Deux Alpes, which boasts 100 runs, currently only has 12 open. Only two out of 36 ski resorts are open in the French Pyrenees.

In the Swiss resort of Klosters, canons are producing snow, where a few runs are struggling to stay open.

Last week, the French resort of Val d'Isere was forced to abandon the World Cup ski races because of the lack of snow.

Those who have booked ski holidays are being advised to check their travel insurance policies to see if they are entitled to compensation because of the lack of snow. Many policies pay a nominal fee, but only if all ski lifts are shut. According to the Daily Mail, resorts try to keep at least one lift working, regardless of snow cover, to prevent this happening.

Looks like you're better off staying in Britain, where winter has finally arrived! Check out our alternatives to a winter ski holiday below...

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