Sierra Nevada ski resort
© SkiInfoSierra Nevada, Europe's most southerly resort, had its earliest opening for 20 years at the weekend when more than 7000 skiers took to the slopes of Europe's most southerly resort.

The resort, one of Europe's highest, had planned to open this weekend but decided to open early following heavy snowfall. This led to a snow depth of 20 - 50cms (8 - 20 inches) of freshly fallen powder.

Masella and Formigal ski areas are also already open and a dozen of Spain's 30 ski resorts, including Baqueria Beret (pictured) are expected to be open by this weekend, along with both of Andorra's ski areas.