The weather’s been rubbish this week. But, who cares? It’s great to be back on skis – even if you do have to socially distance in the lift queue and wear a mask on your way up the mountain, as did John Yates-Smith of Val d’Isere specialist tour operator, YSE.

The Pisaillas glacier, high above Val d’Isere now has three runs open the public and three others reserved for national teams and ski clubs in training. The skies have been shrouded in cloud, but snow conditions are nothing short of sensational. The lifts will remain open until July 11.