More than 100 powder alarms have been issued in Austria in recent days following heavy snowfall.On Tuesday (February 24th), over 60 such alarms were issued as many of the country's ski resorts received more than 50 centimetres of snow in the space of just 24 hours.
In six villages, hundreds of fire brigade volunteers have been busy shovelling the white stuff off rooftops to stop them caving in.
Once the avalance risk decreases, the snowfall will come as great news for skiers on and off-piste.
Those taking to the piste may want to follow the example of one Austrian skier who was rescued after becoming trapped under collapsed snow by calling for help on his mobile.
The deepest snow in Austria has been seen in Kaprun where 395 centimetres have been recorded, followed by Obertauern with 350 centimetres, according to figures from Ski Club of Great Britain.
Written by Mike Cotgreave