Heavy Snow Disrupts Alpine Resorts in Switzerland and France

The arrival of heavy snow in the Alps has resulted in major disruptions for tourists and residents in both Switzerland and France, including road closures, power outages, and avalanche warnings.

Heavy snowfall on Thursday has severely disrupted operations in several Alpine resorts, with significant impacts in Switzerland and France as the Easter holiday season began. Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s prominent ski destinations, found itself practically isolated, while authorities in the French resort of Tignes urged locals and tourists to stay indoors due to a heightened avalanche risk, after over a meter of snow fell overnight.

Tignes’s Mayor, Serge Revial, stated that precautionary measures were essential to ensure public safety amid the treacherous conditions. In eastern France's Savoie region, thousands of homes lost electricity as the snow accumulated relentlessly. Neighboring Switzerland faced significant travel disruptions as major routes, including the Simplon Pass to Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel, were closed to traffic.

Tourists attempting to reach Zermatt were met with halted road and rail services. Meanwhile, local residents struggled with power outages that affected various districts throughout the day, and communications were hampered due to mobile network disruptions. The sole supermarket in Zermatt saw long lines of anxious customers, as supplies dwindled.

Authorities issued avalanche warnings through the Alertswiss app, cautioning residents about the dangers of falling trees and unstable mountain conditions. Schools were closed in the nearby city of Sion to prioritize safety during this time of chaos. Travellers were advised to postpone their plans until Saturday, with local police recommending that people remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

In north-west Italy, the impact of the snow felt further compounded by heavy rains that led to severe flooding issues. A bridge collapsed in Biella, while multiple municipalities in the Aosta Valley also reported power outages. Amidst the floods, a tragic incident occurred in Monteu da Po where a 92-year-old man was believed to have drowned in his home.

Rising waters from the Po River prompted serious concerns, with meteorologists reporting that some areas experienced more than 20 cm of rain in less than two days. As storm conditions begin to ease, residents brace for the aftermath of continuous rain that has led to widespread disruption across the Alpine region.