Good news! Snow returns to the Alps in time for half term

Families heading for the Alps this week will be greeted by up to half a metre of fresh snow, with more on the way.

The white stuff has been frustratingly lacking for the past month, causing concern among resorts and operators in the run-up to half term - the busiest week of the season.

It means that anyone who has booked a ski break to the Alps next week looks set to benefit, with snowfall forecast across France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

The snow started falling on Valentine's day in the southern part of the Alps, in resorts including Les Deux Alps and Alpe d'Huez, as well as Sauze d'Oulx in Italy. The Dolomites, southern Switzerland and Austria are getting heavy snow too, with more predicted until Thursday, when skies will clear.

But resorts in the northern parts of the Alps, such as Verbier and Morzine and the Portes du Soleil region, have so far missed out on most of it. The Trois Valees is also continuing to wait, with the exception of Val d'Isere, which should soon benefit from the snowfall across the Italian frontier. But with more snow predicted for this weekend, most of us should find skiing conditions pretty perfect.

Related articles

Ten great ski holidays for this season

How to improve your skiing technique

Three great ski apps - don't leave home without 'em!