On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the picturesque ski resort of Val Thorens in Savoie was shaken by a series of avalanches that led to a tragic incident, leaving one person in cardio-respiratory arrest. According to BFMTV, the victim was buried under the snow and was subsequently evacuated to a hospital in Grenoble after being dislodged at the entrance of the station.
The prefecture of Savoie confirmed that four avalanches had been reported, with two occurring in Val Thorens and two in the nearby resort of Les Menuires. The avalanche risk level in Val Thorens reached a maximum of 5/5, prompting the closure of the ski area. As a precautionary measure, Météo France had placed the department of Savoie under orange alert for avalanches from Wednesday evening until 2 PM on Thursday due to significant snowfall along the Italian border.
Despite the lifting of the orange alert, Météo France warned that conditions remained precarious. "Avalanches could still occur in the first clearings on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning," the agency stated. The ongoing threat of avalanches has led to a state of confinement for the Val-Thorens station, which is to remain in effect 'until further notice,' as indicated by the local authorities.
In response to the unfolding situation, approximately 130 gendarmes have been mobilized across Savoie to assist the affected population. The local authorities are keen to ensure safety, with fifty gendarmes from the Albertville company specifically deployed in the Tarentaise region. These officers are joined by units from the departmental road safety squadron (EDSR) and mountain rescue groups, who remain on alert to respond to any emergencies.
As the heavy snowfall continues, the ski resort of Tignes has also been placed under confinement until 3 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Reports indicate that more than one meter of snow has fallen in Tignes-le-lac, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Other ski areas, such as La Plagne, have also experienced significant snowfall, with 60 cm recorded at 2,000 meters and 95 cm at 3,000 meters.
The severe weather conditions, attributed to the disturbance known as Hans, have resulted in widespread disruptions. As of Thursday morning, approximately 5,400 households in Savoie were without electricity, along with another thousand homes in the Chamonix area of Haute-Savoie, according to the energy provider Enedis.
Road conditions have been challenging throughout the region, with authorities warning of difficult travel due to the heavy snowfall. In light of these hazards, pedestrian patrols have been deployed in various stations across the department to promote safety and prevent accidents. All access points deemed risky have been closed by the gendarmerie.
As the situation continues to develop, local officials are urging residents and visitors alike to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Ludovic Trautmann, the director of the prefecture of Savoie, emphasized the importance of awareness in light of the forecasted weather conditions. "Given the conditions in the coming days, we call for the utmost vigilance," he stated, highlighting the ongoing risk of avalanches in the region.
The community is rallying together, with emergency services on high alert and safety measures being reinforced to protect both residents and tourists. As the snow continues to fall, the hope is that those affected will recover quickly and that the region can safely navigate through this challenging weather event.
