Here is a review of the winter using Meteo France’s figures, but that obviously doesn’t give the full picture of what people experience on the ground.

http://pistehors.com/news/ski/comments/0914-review-of-the-2008-2009-french-winter/

My thoughts, Early snow and good cover above 1000 meters in the Northern Alps with ski touring possible from trailheads at 800m and a return to skiing in the forest of the pre-alps. Some surprisingly bare spots on summits and ridges due to the very high winds. Frustration at not being able to get out more due to work commitments.