There seemed to be some worry outside the mountain community that the white stuff hadn't arrived in time for the season! Oh yee of little faith!

The snows arrived this week and made the excellent snow-making facilities of many resorts thankfully redundant. Although it was noticeable that Courchevel for one would have been able to provide ample skiing on the artificial stuff nonetheless!

Having seen the resorts in glorious sunshine a couple of weeks ago (and I remember being in Courchevel a number of years ago on 10 December and not seeing too much of the white stuff)  I am looking forward to seeing a totally different world now covered in snow.

The season has been brisk so far and I have seen some excellent new chalets and apartments  - potentially the best selection for a number of years.

The activity has also been well spread, with Courchevel being accompanied by sales in the Chamonix Valley in the last week. Demand is still for the best - location, condition, size and style, together with that location thing again!

I now have to keep my fingers crossed that the roads remain open - I am due in Courchevel, Meribel, Val d'Isere and Megeve next week - all in a 48-hour period!