Heavy snowfall has blanketed the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps on Thursday, April 17, 2025, leading to significant disruptions and safety concerns across the region. In Savoie, the snowfall has exceeded 1 meter in areas such as Tignes and Val d’Isère, prompting local authorities to issue confinement orders and avalanche warnings.
Residents in Tignes, a popular ski resort, are facing strict restrictions as the municipality has ordered a confinement until 3 PM, after which limited movement is allowed within neighborhoods until 8 PM. The mayor stated that this measure applies to all neighborhoods, villages, and hamlets in Tignes. The situation is dire, with one resident describing it as "a bit chaotic," noting that the snow has buried vehicles up to their roofs.
According to reports from Météo-France, over 1.5 meters of snow has fallen in high-altitude areas, marking this as the most intense snowfall event of the 2024-2025 season. The snow began accumulating on the evening of April 16, following a significant weather system that brought rain to elevations up to 2300 meters before temperatures dropped, resulting in heavy snowfalls as low as 700 meters.
Christophe Lavaut, the director general of Val-d'Isère tourism, remarked that the current snow intensity is rare for April, although such snowfalls are not unheard of. He explained that the combination of warm and cold air can lead to such heavy precipitation, but the current episode is exceptional.
In addition to Tignes, Val d’Isère has also recorded substantial snowfall, with estimates of 70 to 100 cm reported in the area. The heavy snow has led to the closure of ski slopes and schools, with local authorities urging caution. In Savoie and Haute-Savoie, approximately 6,400 homes have lost electricity due to fallen trees and branches impacting power lines.
The avalanche risk has been classified as maximal, prompting warnings from local authorities. Reports indicate that four snow slides have occurred in the region, with one individual in critical condition after being buried by a snow slide in Val Thorens. The prefecture confirmed that the avalanche alert was lifted at 2 PM, but the risk remains substantial.
Travel disruptions are widespread, with the A40 motorway closed in both directions due to an accident involving heavy vehicles near Passy. The Fréjus tunnel, which connects France and Italy, is also closed to heavy goods vehicles, causing significant delays for transport. The SNCF reported that train services have been interrupted, particularly on the routes between Modane and St-Jean-de-Maurienne, and between Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
As the weather conditions have evolved, Météo-France has placed three departments—Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and Hautes-Alpes—under yellow alert for snow and ice, while the risk of avalanches remains a serious concern. The agency anticipates further accumulations of snow, estimating that 10 to 20 cm could fall at altitudes of 800 meters, and 20 to 30 cm at elevations above 1100 meters.
In light of these extreme weather conditions, local governments are advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The prefecture of Haute-Savoie has warned that traffic conditions are disrupted, particularly near the Mont-Blanc tunnel, where heavy snowfall has made travel treacherous.
The situation in the Alps serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring weather in mountainous regions. While heavy snowfalls can be a boon for ski resorts, they also pose significant risks to safety and infrastructure. As the weather system moves through, local authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and advise residents to remain vigilant.
In summary, the heavy snowfall in the Alps has led to widespread disruptions, with significant snowfall accumulations, power outages, and heightened avalanche risks prompting local authorities to implement safety measures. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to local guidance as the weather continues to unfold.
