On December 24, 2023, holiday cheer at the SuperDévoluy ski resort turned to concern when 240 skiers found themselves stranded on the Festoure ski lift due to a malfunction. The incident unfolded just before 1 PM, as panic mingled with laughter among those trapped high above the snowy slopes.
A sudden electrical failure rendered the ski lift's motors inoperable, leaving skiers suspended 6 to 8 meters above ground for several hours. According to the local prefecture, all individuals trapped were unharmed. Nevertheless, the unexpected delay created quite a stir among vacationing families and adrenaline-seeking skiers.
“C'était long, on commençait à avoir froid. On rigolait mais certains étaient stressés, certains avaient le vertige,” shared Léa Barthalay, one of the skiers who had to descend via ropes. She was among the first to be evacuated, exiting the lift after about two hours of waiting. Her experience mirrored many others, who were caught up between laughter and anxiety as they waited for rescue.
During the ordeal, temperatures dipped, and children felt the chill more acutely than adults. Marjorie Palazzolo, another trapped individual, recounted her wait, “On était gelés, le petit ne sentait plus ses pieds. Après la descente, il a fondu en larmes, au bord du malaise, me disant qu'il ne se sentait pas bien.” Her seven-year-old son was particularly shaken by the experience, which left him uncertain about skiing for the rest of their holiday.
The ski patrol, alongside gendarmes from the high-mountain police unit and local firefighters, swiftly mobilized to rescue the stranded skiers. Various methods of extraction were employed, from hoisting some down using ropes to deploying helicopters for the more difficult rescues. The operation was characterized by urgency and efficiency, showcasing the expertise of the rescue teams.
Despite the cold and anxiety felt by many, there were moments of levity. Palazzolo humorously recalled how they sang to pass the time: “On s'est dit +bon ben on va passer Noël ici+,” she said, likening the scene to the cult film Les Bronzés font du ski. “On a chanté à tue-tête Etoile des neiges.” Some onlookers applauded when the first lucky skiers were finally lowered to safety.
After completing the challenging rescue, the families huddled together and headed indoors for warmth. Palazzolo noted, “Les sauveteurs ont été géniaux. C'était bien géré,” praising the swift and organized response of the rescue teams.
SuperDévoluy is part of the larger Dévoluy ski area, which includes over fifty ski runs and twenty-two ski lifts, operating since its season opener on December 14. It remains popular among families and skiers alike. The resort's management expressed relief at the outcome, ensuring no injuries resulted from the incident.
Incidents like these can cast shadows on holiday festivities, reminding us all of the unpredictability of winter sports. Just hours before the lift malfunction, skiers looked forward to enjoying their vacation; few could have imagined they would spend part of Christmas Eve waiting for rescue.
The lift malfunction didn’t just affect one group of skiers. A similar incident occurred at La Norma resort, where another ski lift stranded about one hundred skiers due to electrical issues, complicATING the holiday experience for many. Rescue operations involved gendarmes and specialized teams, again demonstrating the commitment of emergency services to ensuring the safety of all visitors.
While the narrative of holiday skiing often involves joyful slopes and winter fun, the reality can sometimes shift unexpectedly. The incident at SuperDévoluy serves as both caution and testimony to the seasoned resilience of skiers and the swift action of dedicated responders. No doubt, it will be remembered as one Christmas Eve adventure few will ever forget as they headed back to celebrate their time together, warmed by soup and camaraderie.
