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Ski resorts across Europe are rejoicing after a heavy down pouring of snow meant the winter ski season can finally get started.

A mild start to the season had threatened to delay the opening of many resorts for weeks to come but now they are looking in good shape.

A lack of snow had led to the cancellation of a number of World Cup races, with Soelden in Austria and Val d'Isere in France being forced to abandon their early schedules.

However, between 25cm and 30cm of snow fell on French and Italian resorts on 6 December and the forecast for the rest of the season looks good.

The women's races at Val d'Isere on 16 December and 17 December look set to go ahead, while Reiteralm in Austria also looks likely to be able to host some World Cup races.

Travellers who had been planning a ski holiday this Christmas and New Year were beginning to grow concerned that their plans would be scuppered by the lack of snow, but industry figures say the panic is over.

'Many people in the snowsports industry were beginning to get concerned about the lack of snow but the snow has now started to fall and more is forecast for the weekend,' said Al Morgan from the Ski Club of Great Britain.

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