On Saturday morning, February 1, 2025, around 10:45 AM, two enormous rocks fell onto the RN 90, blocking access to the popular ski resorts of the Savoie region. This unexpected rockfall occurred at exit number 39 "Moutiers-Nord," located between Albertville and Moutiers, significantly impacting travel right when thousands of ski enthusiasts were expected to head toward the slopes.
According to officials, the rockfall, which involved two large boulders rolling down the mountainside, has resulted in severe traffic disruptions, particularly affecting access to major ski areas such as Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, and the wider 3 Vallées region, where resorts like Courchevel and Val Thorens are located.
Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries reported. One motorist, identified as a 62-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and was quickly attended to by the emergency services. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to offer assistance, and reports indicate she was taken to the Albertville hospital for treatment.
Traffic is heavily congested, with officials noting significant backups forming downstream of the incident. Ludovic Trautmann, the Director of Cabinet of the Prefect of Savoie, urged travelers to reconsider their plans, stating emphatically, "If you are not in Savoie, do not come today!" He explained the challenges those already en route are facing, as the RN 90 is the primary access route for many ski resorts.
The authorities are actively managing the situation. Efforts to mitigate traffic congestion include re-routing some vehicles through the Ponserand tunnel. Although this tunnel is typically dedicated to downhill traffic, officials are working on allowing bidirectional flow to help alleviate the backlog of cars trapped near Aigueblanche. Yet, this adjustment could take time due to safety assessments still being conducted by geologists monitoring the stability of the rock formations above the roadway.
"The road is closed to allow for site security," stated the communication service of Savoie Département. Traffic management teams have been deployed to assist travelers and restore safe access as soon as possible.
With over 32,000 visitors projected to travel to the Tarentaise area on this busy weekend, the roads were already expected to be heavily congested. Now, the situation has escalated, prompting warnings from local authorities for those who have not yet left their homes to delay their trips. "We have already reactivated the emergency accommodation plan..." added Trautmann, highlighting the preparations being made for individuals unable to reach their intended destinations.
Local residents and businesses are concerned about the potential economic impacts of this disruption, particularly as ski season is typically one of the busiest times of the year. The Savoie region, renowned for its stunning valleys and top-tier ski resorts, relies heavily on winter tourism for its economic well-being.
Motorists are cautioned: if you are on your way to the ski resorts but haven’t yet reached Savoie, it's advised to turn back and seek shelter nearby. Those already stuck on the roads should remain patient, as crews work diligently to clear the blockage and open up routes for safe travel.
This rockfall serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and geology, which can shift rapidly and create dangerous conditions for travelers. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected as they manage both the aftermath and the continuing threat of instability from the nearby cliffs.
Updates are being provided via local media and the Savoie route websites, advising all travelers to stay informed and prioritize safety above all. The tumultuous conditions highlight just how quickly nature can impact our travel plans, particularly during peak tourism seasons.