On February 1, 2025, the picturesque region of Savoie experienced significant disruptions after a substantial landslide occurred on the RN 90 road, which serves as the primary access point to several renowned ski resorts. This natural occurrence unfolded around 10:30 AM, resulting in two large boulders tumbling down onto the road near exit 39, Moutiers Nord, affecting travelers heading to Alpine ski destinations.
The landslide has effectively blocked access to major ski stations including Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, and Les Arcs, with the local authorities urging skiers and holidaymakers to reconsider their travel plans. "If you are not currently in Savoie, do not come today!" cautioned Ludovic Trautmann, director of cabinet for the Savoie prefecture, during interviews with local media.
Fortunately, the incident only resulted in one minor injury—a 62-year-old woman who was driving on the RN 90 at the time. She was treated for her injuries and transported to the hospital for observation. Firefighters were quickly on the scene, assessing the situation and providing immediate assistance.
The aftermath of the landslide has caused significant traffic delays and congestion, as the RN 90 serves as the main artery for those traveling to the ski resorts. Although the tunnel of Ponserand was opened for two-way traffic to alleviate some of the congestion, the RD 1090 remained closed, creating substantial bottlenecks along the routes leading to the resorts.
Pierrick, a local snow clearer, noted the increasing occurrence of such landslides, calling them 'very recurrent'. "Many vehicles are expected today, particularly for those heading uphill, comprising more than 30,000 cars. We've been requesting enhanced safety measures for several years, especially with the upcoming Winter Olympics," he lamented, emphasizing the economic impact these incidents pose to local businesses.
To provide aid, teams from the French Red Cross have been mobilized to assist stranded motorists, distributing food and supplies as cars remain trapped on the roads due to the landslide. The authorities continue to assure the public of their commitment to restoring safe travel through diligent assessments by specialists.
Geologists are actively monitoring the situation, as many rocks previously identified as unstable continue to pose risks for future incidents. "It’s too early to determine the specifics of what happened; our priority is ensuring the safety of the area and averting any additional collapses," remarked one official overseeing the recovery efforts.
Travelers continue to be advised to avoid the affected routes wherever possible. Those who have yet to set off are encouraged to stay home or find accommodations along the way, as the traffic situation remains complicated. Drivers are cautioned about the increased difficulty of accessing ski resorts, with heavy traffic reported from as far back as Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Aime-La Plagne.
Images shared by local authorities show significant debris, including the massive boulders blocking the streets, marking the severity of the landslide. The prefecture has indicated plans to implement more rigorous safety procedures to avoid similar situations as the 2025 Winter Olympics approach, with international visitors expected to flock to the region.
Local business owners and ski operators are understandably anxious about the economic repercussions of such disruptions, particularly during peak winter tourist season, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to secure the area's geological stability.
With the situation still developing, residents and travelers alike await updates as the Savoie region grapples with the aftermath of this landslide, hoping for the swift restoration of normal road conditions and ensuring safety for all who choose to hit the slopes.