Rare spring snowstorm buries Alps in chaos and leaves at least one dead

Heavy snowfall disrupts life in France, Switzerland, and Italy, as avalanche risk and flooding fears grow.

A snow-covered field is seen after heavy snowfall at the Aravis Pass (Col des Aravis), near La Clusaz in east-central France, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Olivier Chassignole/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A rare spring snowstorm in the Alps has brought more than a metre of snow within hours, causing deadly avalanches, shutting down ski resorts, and cutting off entire towns. The rare spring snowstorm, which struck France, Switzerland, and Italy, left one person dead and forced authorities to close roads, cancel train services, and issue avalanche warnings, while thousands were left without power.

Ski resorts buried and communities isolated

Although snowfall in April isn’t unheard of in the Alps, the sheer volume and speed of accumulation during this latest storm stunned residents and authorities alike. In Tignes, France, local officials ordered people to stay indoors after more than 1.1 metres (3.6 feet) of snow fell overnight. In the Swiss town of Sion, with a population of around 36,000, residents were also advised to remain at home due to unsafe conditions.

“All cars are covered up to the roof... Just walking outside is worrying,” said Mathis, a hotel employee in Tignes. “This is an enormous amount in such a short time.”

Ski resorts in France, Switzerland, and Italy bore the brunt of the rare spring snowstorm. Roads leading to popular alpine destinations were blocked, and avalanche risks forced closures across the board. Val Thorens and other well-known resorts temporarily shut operations for safety reasons.

Fatalities and emergency response

The storm has already claimed lives. A 92-year-old man was found dead in his flooded home in the Piedmont region of Italy, according to fire services. In Val Thorens, France, a woman suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after being buried in an avalanche.

Several other towns across the Alps were affected by blocked roads and disrupted infrastructure. Many residents found themselves snowed in, while others were evacuated due to rising floodwaters on the Italian side of the border.

Avalanche threats and melting fears

With more than a metre of snow on the ground and sunny conditions expected, avalanche and flooding concerns have escalated. Yann Geaudry, a retired ski instructor from Termignon, France, expressed fears about the snow melting too quickly under spring sunshine.

“The risk of floods is real,” he said. “This kind of sudden snowfall in April may seem beautiful, but it’s dangerous when it starts melting rapidly.”

Authorities in Italy echoed these concerns. The air force’s weather service noted that above 1,800 metres, rainfall quickly turned to heavy snow. As a precaution, roads including the one from Turin to Aosta were closed. Homes in the Aosta valley were evacuated as floodwaters rose.

Roads and railways shut down

The rare spring snowstorm wreaked havoc on transportation networks. The Mont Blanc tunnel, a key route between France and Italy, was shut to heavy trucks due to avalanche risks and fallen trees. With trucks unable to enter tunnels, dozens were stranded on the A43 highway.

Railway services were also affected, with delays and cancellations across the region. In the Savoy area of France, more than 3,300 homes temporarily lost power.

“We weren’t prepared for this,” said Didier Beauchet, a long-time resident of Lanslebourg in Savoy. “It’s truly exceptional. I must have seen something like this only five times in my 40 years living here.”

Disruption in cities and rising floodwaters

Even urban areas like Milan were not spared from the effects of the storm. City authorities closed several parks due to flooding and strong winds. In Piedmont, flood warnings led to road closures and evacuations in low-lying regions.

Across all three countries—France, Switzerland, and Italy—emergency services have been working around the clock to clear snow, assist stranded motorists, and monitor water levels. Still, the rare spring snowstorm continues to challenge response teams.

Climate patterns and unusual weather

Meteorologists describe the event as rare, especially considering the time of year. While spring snow in the Alps is common, the extent and rapid accumulation of snowfall is out of the ordinary. Some experts are attributing the extreme weather to shifting climate patterns, which may be causing increased unpredictability in alpine weather systems.

“Spring snow isn’t new,” said one meteorologist from Geneva. “But getting over a metre of snow in just a few hours, combined with heavy rain at lower altitudes, makes this event rare and very dangerous.”

Tourism and economic setbacks

The storm has also impacted the tourism industry. Many alpine resorts were expecting late-season visitors looking to enjoy the slopes before the warmer months arrived. Now, with roads closed and avalanche risks high, bookings have been cancelled and staff sent home.

Local economies that depend on tourism are expected to take a hit. “We were hoping for a good end to the ski season,” said a manager at a resort in the French Alps. “Instead, we’re dealing with emergency protocols, cancelled reservations, and snow that’s too dangerous to ski on.”

Ongoing monitoring and preparedness

Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. With temperatures forecast to rise, the challenge now lies in preventing floods and managing the aftermath. Snow-clearing operations are underway, and weather warnings remain in effect in several alpine regions.

The rare spring snowstorm is a stark reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. For the communities affected, recovery will take time, as they navigate both the short-term disruptions and the longer-term consequences of such a massive snowfall event.

From buried cars to flooded valleys, the people of the Alps are bracing for what comes next. Whether it’s more storms or a rapid thaw, the challenges are far from over. For now, residents, emergency crews, and local governments remain on high alert, hoping the worst has passed—but preparing for more to come.