These three before-and-after photos prove that winter has officially arrived in Europe.

Over the weekend the first big storm arrived in the Alps, depositing snow from France to Slovenia. These three before-and-after webcam shots show the effects at ski resorts in the Alps. (All webcam shots from bergfex.com)

Chamonix

The Chamonix-Mont Blanc area took the brunt of the storm, with elevations above 2500m receiving 50-100cm of new snow. Here’s Grand Montets on last Thursday, and again this morning.

Laax

Laax in Switzerland also got a healthy dusting.

Stubai

Further to the east, the mountains of Tirol got good coverage as well. Here’s a webcam from the Stubai Glacier.

With temperatures expected to remain low and more precipitation in the forecast, lower-elevation ski resorts are hoping to open on time for the holiday season. Meanwhile the lift-accessed skiing is still restricted to the glacier resorts. So keep your fingers crossed for more snow, and if you go powder-hunting, watch out for the sharks!