There have been a series of avalanches, one fatal, with a return to wintery conditions in the French Alps over the last 10 days.

The alpine ski world has seen a number of innovations these past years with the arrival of parabolic, carving, fat and lately rockered skis.

There is no denying that times are tough for the ski industry in France and elsewhere with lifts and restaurants shut for over 12 months. Even during the Second World War the ski lifts kept running.

Meteo France has issued the following warning for the Northern Alpes:Increasing avalanche risk over the coming hours.

On two occasions during February dust from the Saharan has covered the French Alps and beyond. Blown North by Sirocco winds.

We focus a lot on avalanches and avoidance but they are not the only danger in the mountains.

With ski resorts closed, probably for the rest of the season, the press are demanding why are there so many fatal avalanches this year.

A 27 year old ski tourer, local to the area, has been killed climbing below the North side of the Col des Gourses (2550 meters) in the Deux Alpes ski area by a slab avalanche.

The body of a skier was recovered from the slopes of Mont Tabor (2389 meters), near Grenoble, this morning. He had left on his own for a ski tour on Saturday.

A 44 year old woman has been killed by an avalanche in the Combe de Barmerousse not far from the aiguille de Varan (2544m) in the commune of Passy near Chamonix. The avalanche occurred around 12h30.