Great conditions in Scotland, Scandinavia and Canada: Snow report

Great conditions continue in Scandinavia, with new snow during the past week and more forecast this weekend

Deep and crisp: snow is falling across Europe (AFP/Getty)

Snow is falling all around with heavy showers expected to arrive this weekend in the southern and western Alps, with the peak snowfall expected in northern Italy. The avalanche danger will escalate rapidly and the Swiss Avalanche Service (SLF) strongly advises all skiers to stay on piste.

Fresh snow has fallen on Austria and heavy snowfall is expected to sweep in from the west, with 30-50cm across a wide area, but more is possible in favoured locations in the Tirol.

Snowfall was recorded on Wednesday and Thursday in most French resorts. Piste conditions were improved, but more snow is needed to increase base depths. Lots of new snow is forecast, and the French Alps can expect at least 20-30cm.

The pistes were improved by snowfall across Switzerland on Wednesday, with more forecast for this weekend. Up to a metre of new snow is possible in southern parts.

Italy remains fairly cloudy and cold. However, fresh snow is just around the corner, with 50cm for most resorts, with the potential for up to a metre in some spots.

Mild conditions continued throughout the week in the Pyrenees. New snow is forecast this weekend, although not as much as in the Alps.

Great conditions continue in Scandinavia, with new snow during the past week and more forecast this weekend.

Following a light dusting on Monday, mostly sunny skies have provided excellent weather across Bulgaria, while the pistes are in great condition.

Closer to home, Scotland has been battered by a series of Atlantic storms, keeping most resorts closed all week. However, some massive accumulations of snow have been recorded and once the weather clears, the skiing should be excellent.

The US has seen more snowfall this week, apart from California. Huge falls were recorded in Utah and good top-ups were seen in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and across on the east coast. The skiing remains excellent in Canada, with most lifts operating and good snow bases. New snow is in the forecast so conditions should continue to improve.

For daily updates on snow conditions and resort weather visit skiclub.co.uk

The Ski Club of Great Britain (020 8410 2015; skiclub.co.uk) is a not-for-profit snowsports club which offers benefits to more than 30,000 members. They receive discounts on travel, kit and holidays; access to industry-leading snow reports; information and advice; and access to the in-resort Ski Club Leader service. Individual membership costs £63 or £24 for beginners and those aged under 24.