Whilst the rest of us are delaying the purchase of our winter coat in a week heralded by the Met Office as the “official Indian summer”, eager skiers are already polishing their goggles in preparation for winter and the early ski season.
The advice for anyone wanting to hit the slopes before the New Year is to head high and head north and, if that fails, there are plenty of ski resorts that have invested in snow making systems to guarantee a winter wonderland. Nevertheless, the early ski season always runs the risk of frustratingly grassy slopes and lush landscapes. So, in order to avoid any disappointment (and broken ski poles) we reveal the best resorts to head for in order to ensure a snowy December.
Val Thorens (France)
Europe's highest ski resort in the huge Three Valleys ski area is an excellent bet for good snow - most slopes here are over 2000m. With the slopes located virtually on your doorstep, you won't miss a minute.
Niseko (Japan)
Japan?s most famous ski resort is gaining worldwide popularity. With the help of Siberian weather fronts providing consistant snowfall, it is normally open by late November for skiers to enjoy its powdery snow.
Åre, (Sweden)
Northern Europe?s largest and most advanced ski resort boasts a season which starts in November. It even guarantees eager skiers that at least ten pistes will be open from 12 December, providing them with plenty to choose from. The opportunity to night-ski is an added bonus.
Tignes (France)
Marketing itself as a ?sure-snow? resort, Tignes welcomes skiers from mid December, making it a good choice for early slope action. If this is too late in the year for you, kick off the season even earlier on its impressive 20km of glacier runs.
Zermatt (Switzerland)
Skiing starts in late November at this famous Swiss resort. Skiing in the shadow of the Matterhorn mountain makes this area particularly picturesque. With lifts that take you to a giddy 3899m, you're guaranteed good views.
Saas Fee (Switzerland)
If you are the type of skier that needs a rest once in a while then be prepared to be entertained as the world?s best freestyle snowboarders descend on Saas Fee for the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup in early November. The ski area is between 1800m and 3500m high, meaning that once you are ready to push off again, there will be plenty of snow.
Livigno (Italy)
Skiing here normally starts in late November and, being one of the higher resorts in Europe, it boasts 3000m high pistes. A further bonus is the tax free status making this a destination for the budget-conscious skier and a great place to buy presents.
Whistler-Blackcomb (Canada)
Whistler Blackcomb has invested in snow making facilities, helping to ensure a lengthy ski season that begins in late November. Plus, this Canadian super resort has repeatedly been voted the best ski resort in the world and is set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Mammoth (California, USA)
This is the highest ski resort in California and boasts 400 inches of snow annually meaning its season starts in November and can last until June. Skiers and snowboarders alike come here to enjoy one of the USA?s premier mountain destinations.
Solden (Austria)
Solden is another resort which boasts year-round skiing so when it comes to early season trips, it is an excellent bet. With state-of-the-art mountain railways, it provides the pleasure of skiing without the queues.---www.independent.co.uk