Man survives 17 hours under an avalanche

The conditions are about the best of the winter

There's fresh snow, cold temperatures and with half term almost upon us it's pretty good out here in the Alps. Check out the weekly PlanetSKI roundup.We have reports from Poland and Belgium, areas perhaps not normally associated with good skiing.

Avalanche death toll rises

At least 10 people have died in a number of separate incidents in recent days. 3 people died in Austria over the weekend following 5 last week. A British airman has died in Germany and an off piste skier in Switzerland. The authorities are urging caution.

Who do you believe?

Finding out what the snow conditions are like in a resort is a tricky business. There is a lot of wishful-thinking, exaggeration, misinformation and occasionally downright lies. Sometimes it's far too positive and on other occassions too negative.

The X rated snowman

Do not look at this if you are under 18-years of age or easily offended. It has explicit sexual content and you may find it offensive.