In a dramatic turn of events, heavy snow has blanketed Alpine resorts in Switzerland and France, leading to travel chaos just as the Easter holiday begins. The renowned Swiss ski resort of Zermatt has been cut off, prompting local authorities to advise both residents and tourists to stay indoors. Meanwhile, in the French resort town of Tignes, Mayor Serge Revial declared an avalanche risk “too high” to ignore, resulting in stringent safety measures following over a metre of snow accumulation.
The snowfall has wreaked havoc, causing power outages in thousands of homes in the Savoie region of eastern France. In Switzerland, crucial transport links were compromised; the Simplon Pass into Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel were closed, leaving many entering the country stranded. In Valais and Bernese Oberland, travelers journeying for ski vacations found themselves unexpectedly hindered.
In Zermatt, visitors witnessed long queues at the only supermarket that remained operational, as power outages affected daily life. The Alertswiss app issued warnings about the dangers of avalanches and falling trees, leading to school closures in the city of Sion.
Travelers aiming for the Alps this Easter have been urged to consider postponing their plans until Saturday, while local police recommended staying home for safety reasons. Meanwhile, in northwest Italy, the Aosta Valley reported similar issues due to heavy rain, triggering floods and even a bridge collapse. As river levels surged, officials expressed concern for public safety.
The snowfall has wreaked havoc, causing power outages in thousands of homes in the Savoie region of eastern France. In Switzerland, crucial transport links were compromised; the Simplon Pass into Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel were closed, leaving many entering the country stranded. In Valais and Bernese Oberland, travelers journeying for ski vacations found themselves unexpectedly hindered.
In Zermatt, visitors witnessed long queues at the only supermarket that remained operational, as power outages affected daily life. The Alertswiss app issued warnings about the dangers of avalanches and falling trees, leading to school closures in the city of Sion.
Travelers aiming for the Alps this Easter have been urged to consider postponing their plans until Saturday, while local police recommended staying home for safety reasons. Meanwhile, in northwest Italy, the Aosta Valley reported similar issues due to heavy rain, triggering floods and even a bridge collapse. As river levels surged, officials expressed concern for public safety.
