Best snow since 90s brings boost for ski resorts

While heavy snowfalls coupled with 100mph winds in recent days brought chaos to the roads, they delivered perfect conditions to the slopes, and it will be the first time since the early 1990s that all five ski resorts will have opened together so early in the season.

Marian Austin, who chairs the Scottish Snowsports Marketing Group, said: "In recent years, there has been relatively little snow so early in the season, which resulted in pressure on all services at the ski areas which were open, and – inevitably – some queues.

"This weekend and into next week, we expect to be able to welcome thousands of people.

"The weather is also looking good for the weekend, with sun forecast for Friday and Saturday for all ski areas, and possibly more snow on Sunday."

Ms Austin, who is also managing director of the Nevis Range centre, near Fort William, said conditions were "amazing" and added: "By Saturday, I think you will be able to ski on nearly every run in Scotland.

"It bodes well for the season as there is a good depth to the snow. Even if we get the inevitable thaw, it should withstand it."

Meanwhile, power firms were last night expecting to reconnect the last 400 of the 22,000 homes cut off during Wednesday's storms.