Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Alpine Resorts in Switzerland and France

As heavy snow blankets the Alps, key ski resorts in Switzerland and France are grappling with significant disruptions just before the Easter holiday season, leaving thousands stranded and without power.

In an unexpected turn of events, the picturesque Swiss ski resort of Zermatt has been completely cut off, while residents of Tignes in France have been advised to remain indoors due to substantial snowfall. Tignes’ Mayor, Serge Revial, voiced concerns over the increasing risk of avalanches, stating, "We had to make a decision to protect people", following the accumulation of over a metre of snow.

While snowy conditions are typical for the Alps in April, the current weather has caused extensive disruptions, particularly in the Savoie region of eastern France where numerous homes have lost power. In Switzerland, routes such as the Simplon Pass to Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel have been closed, complicating travel for eager tourists looking to enjoy ski breaks.

In Valais and Bernese Oberland, which are heavily impacted regions, access to Zermatt has been severely restricted due to blocked roads and rail lines. The only supermarket operating in Zermatt saw long queues as residents awaited essential supplies amidst power cuts and communication network failures throughout Thursday. Alerts issued by the Alertswiss app warned of avalanche risks, fallen trees, and other transportation hurdles that disrupted daily life. Consequently, schools in the nearby city of Sion were also shut for safety.

Travelers were urged to consider delaying their journeys until Saturday to avoid the ongoing chaos. The situation has extended toward north-west Italy as well, where residents in 37 municipalities of Aosta Valley experienced power outages, and a bridge collapsed in Biella. The region faced additional challenges from heavy rainfall, leading to flooded areas. The unfortunate death of a 92-year-old man was reported in Monteu da Po, believed to be the result of flooding at his home. With rivers like the Po and Dora overflowing, local authorities issued red alerts in multiple valleys as impending peaking river levels were forecasted.

"Days of non-stop rain have taken their toll, although there is some respite now," stated Manuela, a 33-year-old Turin local, as she described the challenging conditions. Despite the situation in the surrounding areas, the city remains largely unharmed, but several riverside establishments have been required to close their doors to patrons for safety reasons.

With weather conditions worsening across the Alps, the coming days will be critical for local authorities and residents as they manage the aftermath and assist those affected.