In the canton of Wallis, Switzerland, heavy snowfalls have led to severe disruptions, including power outages in several communities. As of Thursday, April 17, 2025, the connection to Zermatt has been interrupted, isolating the area along with Oberems. Train traffic between Visp and Leuk is also facing significant disruptions due to the extreme weather conditions.
On Thursday morning, the canton of Wallis officially declared a 'besondere Lage' (special situation), acknowledging the challenges posed by the snow. Numerous towns are experiencing power supply issues, and authorities are warning of the potential for avalanches and falling trees at all altitudes. In light of these conditions, tourists are advised to postpone their travel to Wallis if possible, ideally delaying their arrival by a day.
The exceptional snowfalls are expected to persist into the afternoon, causing widespread disruptions in both road and public transport. Major north-south routes such as the Simplon and Grosser St. Bernard passes are currently closed, with access roads to various side valleys also severely impacted.
As of midday Thursday, the Simplon car transport (Brig-Iselle) has been closed due to a catenary fault caused by the heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, the Lötschberg car transport (Kandersteg – Goppenstein) was able to resume operations at 12:43 PM with a reduced hourly service. Despite this, many access roads remain snow-covered and treacherous.
Alertswiss has issued warnings about the unusually heavy snowfall in Wallis, emphasizing the risks of avalanches and falling trees, which can occur at any altitude. The Kandertal region is also experiencing the effects of this extreme weather, with multiple reports of power outages. BKW, a local energy provider, confirmed that the heavy snow is causing branches to snap and fall onto power lines, leading to short circuits and subsequent outages.
In addition to Zermatt and Oberems, many areas in Wallis and Bern are cut off from the outside world due to the heavy snowfall. The road from Visp to Zermatt is restricted, and the Täsch-Zermatt feeder road is closed in both directions due to avalanche risks. Other major roads, including the Susten-Leukerbad main road and various routes within Wallis and Bern, are also closed due to snow accumulation.
According to reports from Blick, Wallis woke on Thursday under a thick blanket of snow, with traffic obstructions becoming widespread due to fallen trees. The situation has prompted local authorities to urge residents in affected areas, such as Brig, Sierre, and Sitten, to remain at home.
In Sitten, the traffic situation is calming down after the initial chaos, but the Great St. Bernard Tunnel remains closed. The federal government has issued warnings about dangers in both the Bernese Oberland and Wallis, advising caution due to the risk of further avalanches and disruptions.
In a related incident, an avalanche has damaged a protective gallery on the Great St. Bernard Pass. Fortunately, despite the heavy precipitation—over 100 millimeters in just 24 hours—no significant damage has been reported by the cantonal management body.
Municipal employees have been actively clearing snow from roads, particularly in Saillon, where crews are working to ensure accessibility. However, the mobile network is partially disrupted, complicating communication efforts in the region.
As the snow continues to fall, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepared for ongoing disruptions. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as conditions evolve throughout the day.
Travelers planning to visit Wallis are reminded to check for the latest updates on road conditions and public transport services before setting out. The impact of the heavy snow is being closely monitored, and the local government is committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
In summary, the canton of Wallis is grappling with significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions, prompting the declaration of a special situation. As snowfalls continue to affect daily life, residents and tourists alike are advised to exercise caution and stay informed.
