Val Gardena in Italy's Dolomite Mountains for example, part of the world's second largest lift-linked ski area, the Sella Ronda, has 80 of 84 lifts operating and virtually all ski runs open – 174km (96 miles) of 176km (97 miles) total runs. However snow depths are much lower than they would normally be at this time in the season – 30cm (12 inches) at the top and 10cm (four inches) on lower slopes. The problem in November and early December of record high temperatures - making snow making impossible, has gone and weather conditions are typically "beautiful" with clear skies and low temperatures meaning the sun shines and the snow crisp It also means the continental's increasing arsenal of snow guns can operate at full strength. However the high pressure means there has been little or no natural snowfall and off piste skiing is rarely an option.