"Heavy snowfall across Spain’s Girona region during the Christmas season disrupted transport but also drew residents and visitors to mountain resorts, as many sought to make the most of rare winter conditions. Footage from Spain’s oldest ski resort in the Catalan Pyrenees, La Molina, shows people playing in the snow, building snowmen, skiing and riding cable cars. The resort operated under limited conditions on Sunday due to weather restrictions. Other resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees, including Vallter and Vall de Nuria, remained closed because of a high avalanche risk caused by recent heavy snow accumulation and instability in the snowpack. The storm blanketed parts of the Girona region, covering forests and residential areas. Snowfall was particularly intense in areas above 1,300 metres, with deeper accumulations at higher elevations. At least 12 roads had to be closed across Spain amid deteriorating conditions. Authorities made the use of snow chains or winter tyres mandatory on several mountain roads, while emergency services assisted motorists stranded by snow and ice. Authorities urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when travelling in mountain areas and to follow official guidance. The snowfall is notable against the backdrop of recent winters marked by above-average temperatures and irregular precipitation in the Catalan Pyrenees, conditions that have reduced both the depth and duration of snow cover and increased reliance on artificial snow at ski resorts. While the latest storm has provided a temporary boost to mountain tourism, experts warn it does not reverse the long-term trend linked to climate change. Forecasts indicate a gradual improvement in weather conditions, though low temperatures are expected to preserve snow at higher elevations, and avalanche risks remain elevated in parts of the region."