Snow show: Europe's ski resorts praying for powder

Levi in Finland is still waiting for snow. Photo: Rex

While some of Europe's highest ski resorts opened this weekend, other lower-lying spots were praying for the arrival of snow before the Christmas period really kicks off.

Val d'Isére kicked off the European ski season as it opened on schedule this weekend, thanks to a one-metre snow shower earlier this month.

But experts are warning it might be a good idea to stick to high-altitude resorts, like Cervinia and Zermatt, for the time being, as balmy temperatures stave off the powder at lower ski areas.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Val currently has some of the best cover, along with Ischgl in Austria, and Val Thorens, which also opened this weekend, with the help of artificial snow cannons.

But even these can't help some areas, as the cannons only work when the air temperature is close to zero.

The Daily Mail also reports that Scandinavian ski resorts are struggling with warmer-than-usual temperatures.

Earlier this month, the World Cup Alpine skiing races had to be moved from Levi, Finland, to Austria due to the snow being elusive.

Cross-country World Cup races in Norway last weekend had to be moved from barren ground in Beitostoelen to Sjusjoen, where it was cold enough for artificial snow to stick.

And ski lifts in Are, Sweden's biggest ski resort, which normally opens in the first half of November, remain closed.

But it might not be panic stations in Europe just yet - first huge snow falls of winter often don't arrive until mid-December.

And if you have the spare time - and the cash - North America would be a great immediate alternative, with Whistler seeing great snow cover, and Vail already up and running.

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