The first snowfall of the northern hemisphere�s 2004-5 season have been reported in both Europe and North America over the past week.

In the Alps, fresh snow was reported over 2000m by the resort of Villars which in the US Big Sky and Jackson Hole got particularly healthy coverings in the last few days of August.

However Silverton Mountain is claiming to be the first to get skiers on the slope.

The Colorado ski centre sent the first skiers of the year up the chairlift after receiving heavy snows Saturday, September 4, 2004. A few lucky skiers and snowboarders were waiting at the base area ready to ride when they discovered that Silverton Mountain�s peaks were chocked full of snow. Tropical Storm Howard continues to send abundant moisture into the San Juan Mountains and at Silverton, this means snow. Most of the snow accumulated above 12,000 feet, however snow continued to fall at the Silverton Mountain base area (elevation of 10,400 feet) Saturday morning. Aaron Brill Silverton Mountain�s owner chuckled, �It is great to see people out on their boards this early in the season once again!�

Silverton Mountain is the newest ski/snowboard area in Colorado and has claimed first tracks of the season in September for the third year in a row. The ski area caters to advanced and expert snow riders, it will be offering guided only lift served skiing again for 2004/2005.