Microplastics (MPs) are found in snow samples from the Alps to the Arctic, with concentrations varying significantly. Arctic snow had lower MP concentrations (0 to 14.4 × 10³ N liter⁻¹) compared to European snow (0.19 × 10³ to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹), but still substantial. Polymer types included varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide, with most particles in the smallest size range. Atmospheric transport and deposition may be significant pathways for MPs, though more research is needed. The study analyzed snow samples from remote (Swiss Alps) and populated (Bremen, Bavaria) European sites and the Arctic. MPs were identified using Fourier transform infrared imaging. Results showed that MPs were present in all but one sample, with concentrations ranging from 0.02 × 10³ to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹. European snow had higher MP concentrations than Arctic snow, but Arctic snow still had substantial levels. The highest MP concentrations were found in Bavaria and Ice Floe 9, with significant variability across sites. MPs and microfibers were detected in all samples, with fiber concentrations varying widely. European snow had more fibers than Arctic snow, but Arctic snow still had substantial levels. The size of MPs ranged from 11 to 475 µm, with 80% of MPs ≤ 25 µm. Fibers ranged from 65 to 14,314 µm in length, with 97% ≤ 5 mm. Polymer composition varied, with varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide being the most common. European samples had more polymer types than Arctic samples. The study also found other particles in snow, including chitin, charcoal, coal, animal fur, plant fibers, and sand, with European snow having higher abundances of these particles. The study highlights the importance of atmospheric transport as a pathway for MPs to the Arctic. Snow scavenges airborne particles and deposits them on Earth's surfaces, contributing to MP pollution in the Arctic. The study also found that MPs in the Arctic may originate from various sources, including atmospheric transport, urban areas, and long-range transport by wind systems. The study's results suggest that MPs are present in significant quantities in the Arctic, with implications for environmental and health concerns. The study underscores the need for further research on the sources and pathways of MPs in the Arctic, as well as the potential health risks associated with MP exposure. The study also highlights the importance of quantifying small particles for realistic assessments of MP pollution.Microplastics (MPs) are found in snow samples from the Alps to the Arctic, with concentrations varying significantly. Arctic snow had lower MP concentrations (0 to 14.4 × 10³ N liter⁻¹) compared to European snow (0.19 × 10³ to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹), but still substantial. Polymer types included varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide, with most particles in the smallest size range. Atmospheric transport and deposition may be significant pathways for MPs, though more research is needed. The study analyzed snow samples from remote (Swiss Alps) and populated (Bremen, Bavaria) European sites and the Arctic. MPs were identified using Fourier transform infrared imaging. Results showed that MPs were present in all but one sample, with concentrations ranging from 0.02 × 10³ to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹. European snow had higher MP concentrations than Arctic snow, but Arctic snow still had substantial levels. The highest MP concentrations were found in Bavaria and Ice Floe 9, with significant variability across sites. MPs and microfibers were detected in all samples, with fiber concentrations varying widely. European snow had more fibers than Arctic snow, but Arctic snow still had substantial levels. The size of MPs ranged from 11 to 475 µm, with 80% of MPs ≤ 25 µm. Fibers ranged from 65 to 14,314 µm in length, with 97% ≤ 5 mm. Polymer composition varied, with varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide being the most common. European samples had more polymer types than Arctic samples. The study also found other particles in snow, including chitin, charcoal, coal, animal fur, plant fibers, and sand, with European snow having higher abundances of these particles. The study highlights the importance of atmospheric transport as a pathway for MPs to the Arctic. Snow scavenges airborne particles and deposits them on Earth's surfaces, contributing to MP pollution in the Arctic. The study also found that MPs in the Arctic may originate from various sources, including atmospheric transport, urban areas, and long-range transport by wind systems. The study's results suggest that MPs are present in significant quantities in the Arctic, with implications for environmental and health concerns. The study underscores the need for further research on the sources and pathways of MPs in the Arctic, as well as the potential health risks associated with MP exposure. The study also highlights the importance of quantifying small particles for realistic assessments of MP pollution.