Russia Joins France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland in Battling New Unprecedented Snowstorms as ‘Snow Apocalypse’ Strikes Freezing Tourism

Russia is fighting the severe effects of this winter’s extraordinary snowstorms alongside France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland; the worst conditions have been dubbed a “snow apocalypse.” Heavy snowfall has crippled travel, local businesses, and tourism activities in these areas, which are well-known for their ski resorts and winter tourism. The Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia has been especially hard hit, with some of the biggest snowfalls in recent memory. In the meantime, snow piling, avalanches, and challenging travel conditions have also plagued Europe’s well-known ski areas, including the French Alps, the Italian Piemonte region, and the Swiss and Austrian Alps.

Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula: Snowstorm Paralyses the Far East

In Russia, the Kamchatka Peninsula has been hit hardest by the snowstorms. The region saw 50 cm of snow in just a few days, with some towns reporting snow accumulation up to building levels. Kamchatka typically receives heavy snow, but this storm has been exceptional in both its intensity and impact, leading to a state of emergency being declared across the area. The Kamchatka River, a vital waterway in the region, has frozen solid for the first time in years, further illustrating the severity of the weather. These extreme conditions have caused major disruptions to daily life, with many flights grounded and supply shortages reported.

Russia remains a key player in global tourism, with 20 million international tourists estimated to have visited in 2025. However, tourism to the Kamchatka region, known for its volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities, has been significantly affected by the snowstorm. Travel delays and supply shortages have impacted the ability of tourists to explore the region fully. Many flights have been grounded, and essential goods like bread and milk have been in short supply due to blocked roads.

The Kamchatka Peninsula’s remote location and harsh winter conditions make it particularly vulnerable to extreme snowstorms, and tourists are urged to plan their trips carefully. Travelers considering this region should stay informed about local conditions and be ready for potential delays and closures.

France: A Snowstorm-Disrupted Winter for Millions of Tourists

France, the world’s most visited country, saw approximately 105 million international visitors in 2025, maintaining its position as the leader in global tourism. Famous for its ski resorts in the French Alps, such as Serre Chevalier, Risoul, and Isola 2000, France’s snowstorm this year caused significant disruptions to both the roads and ski slopes. Many regions experienced snow accumulation of up to 30cm in just a few days, with the southern French Alps receiving the heaviest snowfall. Several ski resorts were temporarily closed due to avalanche risks and snow clearance issues, which significantly impacted tourist activity.

Beyond ski resorts, Paris and other cultural hubs also faced travel disruptions, with severe snow impacting public transportation and city streets. In addition to the weather, ongoing strikes and infrastructure issues have compounded the situation. While France remains a go-to destination for millions of tourists, those planning to visit in the near future should expect some delays, especially in the Alpine regions. Despite these disruptions, France’s iconic cultural landmarks, museums, and indoor activities like wine tours and culinary experiences remain open for business.

For tourists, flexibility and real-time updates on weather conditions and road accessibility are essential during this period. Many resorts are now offering alternative indoor and lower-altitude activities to cater to visitors affected by snowstorms.

Italy: Piemonte Region Buried Under Record Snow

Italy, another top European destination, welcomed 64 million international visitors in 2025, making it one of the world’s most visited countries. The Piemonte region, which includes popular ski resorts like Prali, Prato Nevoso, and Alagna, was hit hard by the storms. The region received snowfalls of 10-30 cm in just a few days, causing significant travel delays and temporary closures of ski lifts.

Despite the disruption, Italy’s tourism industry remains resilient. Popular cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice continue to attract tourists, but the snowstorms have led many visitors to reconsider travel plans to the Alps. The snowstorm affected transportation links to ski resorts, and travelers were advised to remain cautious of avalanche risks and poor road conditions. However, many ski resorts have adjusted by offering alternative activities, such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and cultural experiences, to keep visitors engaged during the ongoing storms.

For tourists traveling to Italy, it’s important to have contingency plans. Flexibility with travel dates and staying informed about resort operations and weather updates can help mitigate the effects of snow-related disruptions. With more than 64 million international tourists visiting in 2025, Italy’s tourism industry is well-equipped to handle seasonal challenges, ensuring visitors still enjoy the beauty and culture of the country.

Austria: Avalanches and Snow-Covered Ski Resorts

Austria, with 15 million international visitors in 2025, saw some of the heaviest snowfalls in years. The Austrian Alps were hit by an unprecedented storm that brought over 50 cm of snow in a single day to resorts like Saas-Fee, St. Anton, and Kitzbühel. The heavy snow created dangerous avalanche conditions, which led to temporary closures of ski lifts and roads. Authorities issued avalanche warnings, urging tourists to stay in safe areas and avoid off-piste skiing. Despite the challenges, Austria’s ski resorts remain a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The snowstorm affected both the ski resorts and major tourist cities. In areas like Innsbruck and Salzburg, road conditions became treacherous, and travel to and from these regions was delayed. Still, Austria’s cultural landmarks, including its historic sites, museums, and holiday markets, continued to operate, giving tourists a mix of outdoor and indoor experiences during the storms.

With 15 million international visitors in 2025, Austria continues to be a prominent tourism destination, and while winter travel may require extra precautions this year, many tourists are still flocking to enjoy the snow-covered Alps, and to experience the stunning winter landscapes and Austrian hospitality.

Switzerland: Battling Snowstorms and Avalanches

Switzerland, welcoming 10-15 million international visitors in 2025, also experienced severe snowfall that caused significant disruption to its renowned ski resorts. Popular destinations like Zermatt, Gstaad, and Interlaken saw up to 50 cm of snow in one day, leading to widespread travel delays, road closures, and avalanche risks. Ski lifts in many regions were temporarily halted, and visitors were urged to stay informed about snow safety and conditions.

Switzerland’s iconic resorts typically attract both winter sports enthusiasts and those looking to relax in its picturesque towns. However, this year, the extreme snowstorm posed challenges for the tourism industry, especially as avalanches and poor visibility made outdoor activities more dangerous. Despite these setbacks, Switzerland’s luxury hotels, spas, and indoor activities remained a draw for tourists, offering an alternative to outdoor sports.

Tourists visiting Switzerland are advised to remain flexible with their plans, keeping up-to-date with weather and avalanche alerts. The Swiss tourism industry, while resilient, is emphasizing safety and caution in light of these extreme conditions.

The Impact on Tourism

The widespread snowstorms affecting key ski resorts across Russia, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland have put a significant strain on the tourism industries of these countries. While skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts typically flock to these regions for their winter sports, the severe conditions this year have disrupted travel plans, with road closures, flight cancellations, and limited access to popular ski resorts.

Travel agencies are struggling to manage the influx of tourists who had planned their winter holidays around these destinations, now facing delays and cancellations due to the extreme snow. For the local businesses in these regions, the challenges are equally steep, as they must navigate the demands of providing goods and services amidst disrupted supply chains.

While some may see the storms as an opportunity for a winter wonderland adventure, others are looking for alternative destinations to avoid the severe conditions that have plagued these iconic European and Russian regions. For the local governments, managing this crisis requires a delicate balance between keeping tourism operational and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

Last Year Japan Held the record for Most Snowfall in 2025

Japan’s winter of 2024–2025 was marked by extreme snowfall, particularly in Hokkaido. Obihiro city set a national record with 129 cm of snow in just 12 hours on February 4, 2025. Over 72 hours, the city received 124 cm, while other areas like Shirakawa and Niigata recorded over 130 cm. Hokkaido ski resorts like Hakuba saw 700+ cm of snow, one of the heaviest seasons in over a decade, making it the nation with the heaviest snowfall globally in 2025.

What Tourists Need to Know: Navigating Extreme Snowstorms

As unprecedented snowstorms disrupt winter destinations, here’s what tourists should know to stay safe and prepared:

1. Stay Updated: Monitor weather conditions and resort status through official sources, as snowstorms may cause road closures, flight delays, and resort shutdowns.
2. Prepare for Delays: Heavy snow can block roads and slow down public transport. Keep essentials like snacks, water, and a fully charged phone on hand.
3. Pack Smart: Bring high-quality winter gear, including waterproof boots, insulated gloves, and layers. Don’t forget sunscreen as UV rays can still be strong in snowy conditions.
4. Safety First: If skiing or snowboarding, make sure to carry avalanche safety gear and follow all warnings. Hire a guide if venturing off-piste.
5. Stock Up on Essentials: In areas like Kamchatka (Russia), shortages of basic goods can occur. It’s wise to stock up on food and medicine when possible.
6. Adapt to Resort Closures: Some resorts may temporarily close. Check for alternative activities such as snowshoeing or winter hiking.
7. Respect Local Guidelines: Follow local authorities’ safety advice, including curfews or travel advisories, to ensure your safety during extreme weather.

Russia has joined France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland in battling unprecedented snowstorms this winter, with a “snow apocalypse” disrupting tourism and freezing operations. These regions face severe snowfalls, impacting local economies and travel.

Conclusion: A Global Snowstorm Crisis

The unprecedented snowstorms that have struck Russia’s Kamchatka, southern France, Italy’s Piemonte region, and the Alps of Austria and Switzerland are changing the landscape of winter tourism. As regions brace for continued snow and avalanches, the challenges of maintaining a thriving winter tourism economy have never been more evident. From government action to ensure the safety of tourists to local efforts to clear roads and keep essential services operational, the true impact of these storms will likely be felt throughout the winter season and beyond.

As these regions battle what has been termed a “snow apocalypse,” travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest conditions before heading to popular winter destinations. With so much snow falling in such a short time, the hope is that the situation stabilizes soon, allowing these regions to regain their footing in the ever-competitive winter tourism market.

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