Global Warming? Deep Freeze Engulfs Parts of Europe and Russia

Essay by Eric Worrall

Europeans who complained about a lack of snow a few weeks ago might be regretting getting what they wished for.

Vienna deploys historic icebreaker to clear frozen Danube harbors [VIDEO]

14.01.2026

Vienna has deployed its historic icebreaker, the MS Eisvogel, to clear ice from Albern Harbor and other port basins on the Danube as a severe cold snap grips parts of Europe. 

The operation marks the vessel’s first significant ice-clearing mission since 2017, when the harbor waters last froze over. Harbor officials said breaking the ice is essential to protect docked ships and keep navigation channels open for incoming traffic.  

The Eisvogel is currently operating in Vienna’s three major port areas, Freudenau, Albern and Lobau, with crews working about every two days to manage ice buildup.  

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Read more: https://tvpworld.com/91024536/vienna-sends-70-year-old-icebreaker-to-clear-danube-ice

A video of a Danube icebreaker in action;

Meanwhile Russians are reporting dangerous levels of snowfall;

Avalanche engulfs Russian ski resort as skiers flee for lives as snowfall turns deadly across nation

Shocking footage captures the moment an entire ski resort vanishes beneath a wall of snow as holiday-makers desperately flee.

Staff writers and The U.S. Sun

January 18, 2026 – 7:46AM

This is the terrifying moment an avalanche thunders down a mountainside in Russia and engulfs an entire ski resort.

Shocking footage captures a towering wall of snow hurtling down Mount Elbrus as holiday-makers desperately try to flee.

As the avalanche closes in, trees and cars vanish beneath the cloud of powder.

One person stands completely transfixed before eventually realising the severity of the situation.

Seconds later, the surging snow reaches the car park.

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Read more: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/ski-snow/avalanche-engulfs-russian-ski-resort-as-skiers-flee-for-lives-as-snowfall-turns-deadly-across-nation/news-story/6fc3bce5fc2e269a7b454abae341b1df

A few weeks ago Europeans were complaining their ski resorts would have to shut down;

‘Pushed to the limit’: Europe’s ski resorts face climate change threat – which country has it worst?

By Andrea Barolini
Published on 04/01/2026 – 8:03 GMT+1

Higher temperatures and a lack of snow are forcing Europe’s ski resorts to rethink their business model.

With only a few weeks to go until the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina on 6 February, the slopes around the ‘pearl of the Dolomites’ are covered in snow. But tourists and skiers aren’t always lucky enough to experience this.

With the climate warming up, snow is often limited to the slopes. Even there, it is only guaranteed by artificial snowmaking, with associated economic and environmental costs that often trickle down into ski pass prices. For many Europeans, this is pushing snow sports increasingly out of reach.

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Read more: https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/04/pushed-to-the-limit-europes-ski-resorts-face-climate-change-threat-which-country-has-it-wo

We at WUWT call this the Gore effect. Whenever Al Gore shows up to talk about the end of snow, either during or shortly after his speech wherever he appeared would be buried under white climate change. Al Gore apparently showed up to a climate event in Paris last April, does that count?

No word yet on how Europe’s solar panels are helping to keep homes warm this winter.