Germany, Poland and Czech Republic are among other countries that have already broken temperature records this year, with conditions more reminiscent of spring.

Bare mountain sides and slushy runs have reignited fears over the effect of climate change on many mountain towns that rely on winter tourism.

Temperatures in France at the end of the year were the highest in 25 years. January temperature records have already been broken in a number of European countries, with one meteorologist calling it "hard to comprehend".

The northern Alps and French Pyrenees are particularly struggling for snow and some resorts, after barely being open a month, have had to close until things improve.

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"There was a good start to the season with a cold wave in mid-December, which provided some white to pretty much everyone," said Laurent Reynaud of the Domaines Skiables de France, which represents resorts and lift operators.

"Then, last week, there was quite a bit of rain and warm temperatures, so a certain number of runs had to close again."

'Articial snow for World Cup skiing'

Switzerland's Adelboden, which on Saturday hosts World Cup skiing, is having to run the race on 100% artificial snow this year.

"Unfortunately, due to the lack of snow, heavy rainfall and high temperatures, we have to close our ski resort from 2 January 2023, until further notice," it said in a statement.

There is still some decent snow available - the southern Alps and slopes over 2200m have close to normal snowfall - but skiers and snowboarders will have to head high.

'Hiking, instead of skiing'

Many lower altitude towns stand to lose out, however, and are increasingly planning for a future that focuses more on year-round activities such as hiking.

London-based meteorologist Scott Duncan tweeted on New Year's Day: "We just observed the warmest January day on record for many countries in Europe. Truly unprecedented in modern records."

Wim Thiery, a climate science professor at the University of Brussels, warned that the effects of climate change would radically change winter tourism in Europe.

"By the end of the century, (it's) just going to be over... skiing in the Alps as we know it."

Sky News