Skiers ski as Sahara sand colours the snow in orange in Anzere, Switzerland. AP

Sand from the Sahara provides a rust-coloured coating on top of the snow in a ski resort in Switzerland and turns the skies orange across parts of Europe.

Although the phenomenon takes place almost every year, the occurrence was particularly striking this time round, due to the strength of the winds and the volume of sand particles in the air, according to regional meteorological services.

A local resident said that the storms have also brought picturesque scenes… people enjoying the day as Sahara sand colored the snow near Altenberg, Germany.

Severe weather in Europe, ranging from floods in France to heavy snow in Germany, has caused disruption and damage — but also magnificent backdrops to behold or play in.

Skiers sit on a chairlift as Sahara sand colours the snow in Anzere. AP

Floodwaters devastated many vineyards and orchards in southwestern France, while the Seine River overflowed its banks for a fifth straight day in Paris, according Associated Press.

A man used a surfboard to sled down a snow-covered hill in Wye National Nature Reserve near Ashford in southern England.

The weather is set to remain frigid in the coming days across the continent. Temperatures dipped to -21 C (-5.8) in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, on Sunday.