According to Welove2ski’s snow forecast for the Alps, it looks as though Austria and eastern Switzerland will get the lion’s share – because heavy snow is expected there tomorrow, as well as today. Parts of Austria are expecting over a metre, and with the 0C mark down to 1200m, it’s settling at village level too. St Anton, in the Tirol, already had 10cm in the streets by 10am, and there should be plenty more at altitude.

Pictured below, how it was looking in the neighbouring resort of Lech.

And this is the scene further east, on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, above Kaprun.

However, the white stuff has been falling right across the northern half of the Alps. Pictured below, for example, is Avoriaz in France this morning.

Below, was the scene at Mottaret in the Meribel valley.

Meanwhile, this was Tignes, looking rather murky.

Pictured below was the scene in Wengen in Switzerland first thing this morning.

Pictured below was the scene on the streets of Engelberg at breakfast time. Up high there’s already a lot more snow here.

To give you how much snow is expected, check out today’s snow forecast for the Alps.

And this is the forecast for tomorrow, showing how the snow will focus on the eastern end of the region.

Before you grab your skis and run for the nearest ski resort, remember that only the glacier areas are currently open (our latest snow report will update you on what is open right now). Bear in mind also, that at this time of year, big blizzards can be followed by sudden thaws, and the forecast for the weekend is for sunnier, milder weather. So the snowline will soon be retreating back uphill. However, the glaciers will stay cold enough to hold onto the new cover, and once the pistes have been secured against avalanches, conditions are likely to be superb.

Wondering where to ski before Christmas? Read our guide to the best resorts for early-season skiing.