More than 12million are expected to brave the bitter weather to snap up gifts, spending 148 each on average.

In bitter weather, a draft-free refuge can be the difference between life and death.

The fact that so many are trying to cross now, in bitter weather, suggests that the warmer months will bring many more attempts.

But despite so much bitter weather, over the whole winter the northern hemisphere was actually warmer than normal, and snow cover began melting unusually early in many regions.

Work conditions were treacherous, with mines above 12,000 ft, a lack of safety measures, and bitter weather in winter months.