After healthy snowfalls across Scotland’s ski areas last week, the five centres are currently storm bound as fresh heavy snow has blocked access roads. Only The Lecht has managed to open its sheltered nursery area to skiers arriving from the Tomintoul side, with the Strathdon access road closed by high winds and drifting snow. Cairngorm is currently reporting gusts of up to 140mph and a windchill factor of -23°C.

The extreme conditions are expected to continue on Thursday but with one of the best early January weekends for several years in prospect for skiers and boarders from Friday onwards as a result of the falls.

ski.visitscotland.com/conditions
www.snowboardclub.co.uk/weather