Just got this email from my mate Kim, resort mgr for a holiday company in Val d'Isere:

"Well how exciting, I haven't seen it like this since the big winter 98/99 when I was in Meribel!

Avalanche risk 5/5. I have to keep my shutters closed due to avalanche risk

Half of our guests are not allowed to leave their accom due to avalanche risk

TONS of snow and due to continue till at least Thurs.

VERY EXCITING!!!!!"

Got a text message this morning to say she'd seen her first avalanche - trees uprooted the lot!

Can't wait to get back down there to see her!

I was chatting today to someone who got back from Val d'Isere yesterday. he says it was mad... Most runs were closed, but he still saw idiots crawling under the barriers and walking up the runs that were closed due to avalanche risk. Some people have been killed in the avalanches out there already as well.

Al.