A week of festivities has been organised at the French ski resort of
Chamonix to celebrate the start of the 2009-10 season.
From December 4th to December 8th, a number of events are to be held to commemorate the partial opening of Les Grands Montets ski area.
These include the official switching-on of the town of Chamonix's illuminations, as well as the opening of the first life-sized Advent calendar window.
A lucky draw will also be held, with prizes including a free season pass and 144 bottles of champagne.
Meanwhile, over in
Val d'Isere, the Espace Killy ski area has also been opened, offering skiers the chance to explore 300km of slopes.
A covering of 80cm of snow is in place in the area, while the last reported snowfall was on December 4th.
Written by Chris Smith
