For those who love their autumn hiking seasons then this year could be absolutely ideal for them. Just last week the peaks were bare across all non-glacial areas and a few ski areas had to delay their opening programs. Obergurgl and Ischgl managed to open with the remnants of the falls from a month earlier and some serious snow making, but as the latest storm to hit the eastern Alps has proven, a serious snow system can do a whole lot more to an area than any amount of snow cannons. The slopes of the Arlberg are deep in snow right now and the stunningly picturesque ski holiday resort of Lech am Arlberg is buried under a great weight of snow - perfect timing for the increasing numbers arriving. More snow is forecast for the Arlberg in a couple of days - lest hope the last storm was the beginning of a great snow season.