As the mercury rises in the UK, it’s a completely different story in the Alps, where resorts woke to a blanket of fresh snow this morning, despite the ski season being officially over.

This morning Val d’Isère posted pictures of its village, which sits at 1,850m, covered in a thick layer of snow, a reported 30cm, and the forecast suggests it’s not over yet.

The popular French resort, which shares its ski area with neighbouring Tignes, looks set to see up to 85cm of new snow in the next seven days.

“The Espace Killy was cold and very snowy last night,” said Paul Wiseley from myweather2.com.

“There will be snow across many parts of the Alps through the next 24 hours and it will stay cool throughout this week.”

30cm de poudreuse le 14 mai. On commence la semaine sous la neige ! 30cm of fresh snow to start the week. Have a great one #valdisere pic.twitter.com/ugEHkKUFYa — Val d'Isère (@valdisere) May 14, 2018

Zermatt in Switzerland also looks likely to be one of the resorts to be hit hardest by this unexpected weather front – the forecast suggests up to 163cm of snow will fall there in the next week.

The Swiss resort is currently open for skiing and snowboarding on the glacier it shares with Cervinia, across the Swiss/Italian border. Snow depths on the upper slopes, which rise to 3,900m, are 350cm deep and the week ahead will top this up substantially. Cervinia is expected to see 124cm of fresh snow.

It’s been a winter of unexpected weather fronts and historic snow depths for ski resorts across Europe. Earlier this month Val d’Isère announced that for the first time in its 82 year history it will open some of its winter pistes in June, before it opens its glacier.

However despite the change in the weather this week and new snow on its slopes the resort confirmed it will not open them early, to ensure they are in the best possible condition on June 3.

At this time of year the Alps would normally be enjoying sunshine, warm temperatures and clear skies. However all signs of spring seem to have disappeared and while the UK basks in tropical temperatures resorts in the Western Alps will experience minus figures. Tomorrow Zermatt will see the mercury plummet to -10ºC on the glacier.

Other resorts set to welcome back winter this week include British favourite St Anton (83cm predicted), Courchevel in the Trois Vallées (31cm predicted), Val Thorens (40cm predicted) and Les Deux Alpes (61cm predicted).

“The freezing level will generally rise above 2,500m by next Sunday, meaning the snow will only stick around on the high glacial pistes,” explains Wisely.

Winter Bites Back in the Western Alps This Morning!

Yes, it is the 14th May and heavy snow has left many resorts in the western Alps blanketed in white!

Val d'Isere, Courchevel, Zermatt and Serre Chevalier.

This was Courchevel this morning. pic.twitter.com/7jgWBwohHa — ❄️Powder White❄️ (@powderwhite) May 14, 2018

Summer skiing is possible at a number of resorts that have access to high-altitude glaciers, but unfortunately for skiers and snowboarders many of the areas hit by the latest snowfall will not have lifts open. Those wanting to enjoy the fresh powder will have to turn to hiking up the slopes and ski touring under the guidance of a local expert.

The return of Winter comes at a cost for local people who have had to put their preparations for summer in the mountains and activities such as climbing and mountain biking on hold. “Locals have seen enough of snow for this year,” said Wisely.

A welcome white out or major inconvenience, however the latest extreme weather is labelled users on social media are keen to share their snowy snaps from the Alps.

I dont think it will ever end. #Courchevel today ! Who fancies a ski in fresh powder down Saulire ? pic.twitter.com/AL8jocKIJE — Mountain Heaven (@mountainheaven) May 14, 2018

Some show the stark contrast in conditions over the weekend.