SAM Magazine-Aviemore, Scotland, Feb. 17, 2010-Despite the fluctuating weather conditions in Vancouver for the Olympic Games, most of the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is reporting great ski conditions, according to www.Skiinfo.co.uk.

Mt. Washington, B.C., not far from the Games sites, currently reports the greatest reported snow depths (15.3 feet) in the ski world. But snow is widespread in North America: in the U.S., all 50 states reported snow at some point on Valentine's day.

With fresh snow across most of North America, the U.S. and Canada that have seen the most fresh snow of the past seven days. While there has been rain at lower elevations, causing major headaches for Olympic organisers, Whistler has recorded 2.3 feet at the middle and upper elevations. Other western resorts reporting two feet or more include Jackson Hole, Vail, Big Sky, Breckenridge and in Alaska, Alyeska.

There's been snow in the East, too, where Mt. Sutton, Que., received more than 15 inches over the weekend. Cold weather has also allowed for snowmaking at many resorts in the East.

In Europe, Chamonix, France, Passo Tonale, Italy, and the continent's most southerly major resort, Sierra Nevada on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, each have around 13 feet. More snow is expected in the next few days. In Asia, Niseko, Japan, recently reported "shoulder deep" powder.

In Austria, the Mölltaler glacier has the most snow at nearly 12 feet, with St. Anton second at eight feet. In Switzerland, a dozen resorts are reporting snow depths of six feet or more, including Saas Fee, St Moritz and Laax. Engelberg tops the list with 8.5 feet. The glacier at Passo Tonale continues to boast the deepest snow in Europe at 14 feet.

There's less snow in Scandinavia, but still plenty for skiing and riding. In Sweden, the country's greatest snow depth is in Tänndalen, with four feet, soon to be joined by Riksgränsen, the worlds northernmost ski resort known for its midnight sun, which is due to open in two days.

Across the North Sea, Scotland's ski areas continue to have one of the best winters for 30 years. \