October snowfall turns the Alps white
Between 20 and 22 October 2026, a cold spell affected large parts of the western and central Alps. Falling temperatures brought wintry conditions to higher elevations and the first snowfall of the season to parts of Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy.
This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 22 October 2026, shows extensive snow cover across the central Alps. Mountain ridges and high-altitude terrain appear bright white, contrasting with the dark green and brown tones of the valleys below. The image covers parts of Graubünden, Switzerland’s easternmost canton, as well as western Austria and northern Italy. The area shown includes the Alpine resort town of St Moritz.
Copernicus Sentinel-2 data support the monitoring of seasonal snow cover, helping to assess changes in mountain environments, water availability, and Alpine ecosystems.
