French Alps Paralysed: Major Resorts Shut Down Amid 'Very High' Avalanche Danger

The French Alps ground to a standstill on Thursday as avalanche risk reached the highest possible alert level, forcing the complete closure of some of France's most popular ski destinations at the peak of the winter holiday season.

La Plagne announced that all lifts, slopes, ski schools and mountain activities would be shut in what officials described as a full closure for the safety of both guests and staff. The neighbouring Les Arcs resort followed suit, with a statement issued just after 11am on Thursday confirming that "for the security all the ski area is closed" .

Together, the resorts form part of the Paradiski complex, one of the largest ski areas in France with 425 kilometres of slopes and 70% of terrain above 2,000 metres . The unprecedented closure affects thousands of holidaymakers who had descended on the resorts during French school holidays.

The entire Savoie region has been placed on Level 5 avalanche alert — the maximum possible rating and one that is exceptionally rare. The rating indicates extraordinarily dangerous conditions where large natural avalanches are not just possible but expected.

"Due to heavy snowfall at altitude and the risk of exceptional avalanches, the ski area is closed," Paradiski officials stated . Access roads to the resorts remain open, though authorities have warned visitors to expect delays and potential disruption.

For those stranded at the resorts, La Plagne suggested it was "a great day for indoor stuff," recommending swimming, bowling, cafés, card games and hot chocolate as alternatives to skiing.

The closures extend far beyond La Plagne and Les Arcs. In the Chamonix Valley, authorities restricted access to upper mountain sectors including Les Grands Montets, Brévent, Flégère, and Balme-Le Tour, with only limited lower-altitude beginner areas remaining open .

Other major destinations including Val d'Isère and Morzine have warned of significant operational delays as extensive avalanche control work becomes necessary before any lifts can safely operate.

The crisis stems from relentless snowfall that has dumped enormous quantities of fresh snow atop an already unstable base layer. Heavy snowfall and drifting snow have accumulated over an older weak layer, meaning avalanches can be easily triggered or may occur naturally in many areas , according to Swiss avalanche bulletins describing similar conditions across the border.

The shutdowns come against a backdrop of mounting avalanche fatalities across the Alps. Sixty-six people have died in avalanches in the Alps so far this winter , with the season not yet halfway complete. The average annual winter death toll typically reaches around 100.

France has recorded multiple avalanche deaths in recent days, while Italy has seen 10 fatalities in the past week alone. Italian Alpine Rescue services have stressed that the passage of even a single skier may be enough to trigger a major slide under current conditions.

Météo-France has placed approximately 30 departments on orange alert for various hazards including avalanches, strong winds, flooding and coastal surges. Authorities are urging strict adherence to safety instructions and warning people to avoid all off-piste travel.

Despite the current chaos, there may be good news for UK holidaymakers preparing to travel to the Alps for the main February half-term break next week. Weather forecasts suggest conditions should clear by the weekend, potentially offering excellent skiing conditions on a freshly loaded snowpack — once stability has been restored and avalanche control work completed.

For now, however, the message from French authorities is clear: stay indoors, stay safe, and wait for the mountains to settle.