On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the picturesque ski resort of Val d'Isère in Savoie experienced an unexpected spring snowfall, blanketing the area in a thick layer of white. The snowfall began in the afternoon, with local reports stating that approximately 80 cm of snow fell in the village, and forecasts indicated that the total accumulation could reach around 1.30 meters by the end of the day on April 17, 2025. Christophe Lavaut from the Val d'Isère tourist office commented, "It has snowed about 80 cm in the village since yesterday afternoon. We expect about 1 meter on the slopes, and of course, this is fresh snow. The forecasts predict a total accumulation of around 1.30 meters by the end of the day."
The heavy snowfall was not isolated to Val d'Isère; other areas in the Savoie region, including Tignes and Val Thorens, also experienced significant snow accumulation. In Les Arcs, visibility dropped to almost zero due to the dense snowfall, prompting authorities to issue warnings for safety.
As the snow continued to fall, Météo France placed Savoie under an orange avalanche alert, signaling a heightened risk for avalanches in the area. This alert was raised due to the combination of heavy snowfall and the existing conditions in the Alps.
By Thursday, April 17, the situation escalated dramatically. Reports indicated that up to 120 cm of snow had fallen at higher altitudes. Tragically, on the same day, a person was buried by a snowslide in Val Thorens and was found in critical condition, suffering from cardio-respiratory arrest. The victim was quickly transferred to the hospital in Grenoble for urgent medical attention. The prefecture of Savoie confirmed this information, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In addition to the critical incident, local authorities reported that three individuals had been caught in different snowslides across Val Thorens. Fifty gendarmes from the Albertville company, along with the departmental road safety squadron (EDSR), were deployed to assist in rescue efforts. The prefecture stated, "Three people were buried under the snow in Val Thorens, and we are mobilizing all available resources to locate and assist them."
In response to the extreme weather, the town hall of Tignes issued a confinement order for its residents, initially set to last until 3:00 PM on April 17. This was followed by a temporary authorization to circulate within the same district, but residents were warned that another confinement would be imposed from 8:00 PM until further notice. The ski area, schools, and childcare facilities in Tignes were closed for the day.
Mathis, an employee at Altitude Résidences in Tignes, described the situation, saying, "All the cars are covered up to the roof; there is 1 meter 50 of snow. Just walking outside is a concern." He noted that some visitors had planned to arrive that day but would need to wait until the roads were cleared.
The snowfall and subsequent avalanche risks have cast a wintery spell over Savoie, transforming the landscape into a scene reminiscent of mid-winter rather than spring. Despite the inherent beauty of the snow-covered Alps, the dangers posed by avalanches are ever-present. In several Alpine massifs, including Haute-Tarentaise, Haute-Maurienne, and Vanoise, the avalanche risk was reported at its maximum level of 5/5.
As the situation develops, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and heed the warnings issued by local authorities. The combination of heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches has created a challenging environment for those in the region.
With the orange avalanche alert lifted at 2:00 PM on April 17, the immediate threat of avalanches may have decreased, but the aftermath of the snowfall continues to pose challenges. Authorities are conducting patrols in the affected areas to monitor conditions and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The recent events in Savoie serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions. As the community comes to terms with the impact of the snowfall, the resilience of the people in the region will undoubtedly shine through as they navigate the challenges ahead.
