Extreme snowfall caused chaos in parts of Europe this week, bringing some communities in Germany and Austria to a grinding halt.

Up to three metres of snow fell in parts of Austria alone.

Alpine regions remain on high alert as freezing temperatures and more heavy snow is expected to slam Central Europe in the coming days.

Two German skiers were killed by avalanches in the Austrian Alps while several weather-related traffic incidents claimed casualties as well.

The Bulgarian Red Cross found the bodies of two snowboarders - one from the town of Yambol and the other from the capital Sofia - after an avalanche swept through the Pirin Mountains near the Bansko ski resort.

At least 21 weather-related deaths have been reported throughout Europe over the past week, according to the Associated Press.

German and Austrian troops have been deployed throughout Bavaria to assist residents still trapped by the snow.

Here is a look at of some of the areas most affected by this severe winter weather.

Germany

A man walks through piles of snow in the streets of Berchtesgaden, Germany REUTERS/Andreas Gebert

Soldiers of the German armed forces Bundeswehr leave the Jaeger barracks in Berchtesgaden REUTERS/Andreas Gebert

Workers fell a snow covered tree at a local road near Altenberg REUTERS/Oliver Barth

Two regional trains that are covered with snow stand at the train station in Berchtesgaden REUTERS/Andreas Gebert

Switzerland

Workers shovel snow out of a restaurant after an avalanche at Santis-Schwaegalp, Switzerland REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Aerial view shows the snow-covered landscape after an avalanche at Santis-Schwaegalp, Switzerland REUTERS

A snow-covered bus stands at Santis-Schwaegalp mountain area after an avalanche REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Greece

A panoramic view with the White Tower after snowfall at the northern port city of Thessaloniki, Greece AP/Giannis Papanikos

Pigeons fly in front of a man after a snowfall at the northern port city of Thessaloniki, Greece AP/Giannis Papanikos

Macedonia

A woman walks in the park during a snow fall in Skopje REUTERS/Ognen Teofilovski

A man sits in the park during a snow fall in Skopje, Macedonia REUTERS/Ognen Teofilovski

Austria

The steeple of the Loferer church is seen through the snow in Lofer, Austrian province of Salzburg, after a heavy snowfall AP/Kerstin Joensson

Cats are seen in front of a snow-covered house in Abtenau, Austria REUTERS