France Sees Heavy Snow; Turkey Blanketed; Winter Arrives In The U.S.; Record Snowfall In Calgary; + Beijing Braces For Cold Wave

Paris sees its heaviest November snow since 1969.

France Sees Heavy Snow

Following last week's heavy snow across the UK, mainland Europe is now copping an early-season dumping with unprecedented snowfall and icy temperatures sweeping the likes of France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.

Ski resorts are embracing the bounty, with many opening early.

France has seen remarkable snowfall in recent days, with Paris experiencing its most significant early-season accumulation in 55 years, since 1969. The snow that fell late last week transformed the City of Light, blanketing it white:

Snow in Paris, France.

“It’s currently pouring snow at Disneyland Paris.” — Scott Gustin on X

Neighboring nations have not been spared, with travel delays and power outages commonplace.

Higher up, the snow has been particularly impressive.

Germany’s Bavarian Alps are reporting significant early snows, as are Swiss resorts like Zermatt and Verbier. In Austria, the Tyrolean slopes received 80 cm (2.62 ft) in just two days. While in Italy, the Dolomites are prepping for an influx of visitors with "pristine skiing conditions" boasted there.

As for the French Alps, resorts like Tignes and Val Thorens are reporting exceptional conditions, with depths of a meter (3.3 feet) up top, prompting an early opening. While a boon for the industry, winter's early onset is also posing challenges. In Val Thorens, the heavy, blowing snow resulted in a cable car accident that injured eight workers.

French Alps blanketed.

Significant snows hit Europe the Alps, as captured by Copernicus Sentinel3 on Nov 23.

A prolonged and snowy winter is on the cards for Europe, as per latest forecasts.

Turkey Blanketed

Eastern Europe has also been hit, particularly Turkey's central and eastern regions.