While the Alps are already blanketed, this week even areas at lower altitude got a taste of snow.
The first flakes of the year fell on the northern cities of Milan, Turin, Genoa, Parma, Bergamo and Bologna, among others, on Wednesday night.
Snowfall in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, on December 2, 2020. (Photo: AAP)
As far south as the Ligurian hinterland, there were widespread snowstorms, with snow piling up in the area.
Meanwhile other parts of the country have been drenched by heavy rainfall, including Venice where authorities raised the MOSE flood barrier system due to high tides.
More snow is forecast over the coming days, especially in the north-west, as well as rain and strong winds elsewhere.
By the weekend, the Dolomites could see as much as 1.5 metres of snow.
Unfortunately, the Italian government on Thursday forced ski resorts to remain closed over the Christmas holidays under its latest coronavirus emergency decree, meaning no ski trips for citizens in the near future.
