A significant rockfall in France’s Savoie region disrupted travel on Saturday, February 1, as several massive boulders, each weighing over 150 tonnes, crashed down onto the RN90 road, a vital route leading to some of the most popular ski resorts in the Tarentaise Valley.
The rockfall occurred near Aigueblanche at around 10:30 am, sparking immediate concern. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but a 62-year-old woman sustained minor injuries.
However, the incident caused massive travel chaos, with drivers stuck in traffic for up to 30 kilometres, unable to reach well-known resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel, Les Arcs, Tignes, and Val d’Isère.
As the RN90 remained closed for several hours, local authorities were forced to set up emergency shelters to accommodate stranded travellers.
Shelters were established in Albertville, Aix-les-Bains, Montmélian, Moûtiers, and Macot-La Plagne, with reports estimating that around 1,500 people were housed overnight.
Efforts to reopen the road began on Saturday evening when officials managed to partially clear sections of the RN90.
However, they warned that a full reopening would take “at least several days.” The Savoie department urged travellers to seek alternative routes or overnight accommodations to avoid further delays.
Geologists conducted an aerial inspection of the area to assess the risk of additional rockfalls, and authorities have started working to secure the cliff before any large-scale clearance operations can begin.
While the immediate risk of further rockfalls remains, experts believe that it is only a matter of time before more incidents occur, given the ongoing destabilisation of the region’s slopes.
Experts have also pointed to the increasing frequency of rockfalls in the Alps, which they attribute to climate change. Rising temperatures have contributed to the thawing of permafrost, a layer of frozen ground that typically helps to bind rocks together.
As the permafrost weakens, the Alps have become more vulnerable to sudden landslides and rockfalls. Authorities are working quickly to address the risks posed by the rockfall and ensure the safety of the area’s infrastructure.
However, the disruption to one of the busiest weekends of the winter season for French ski resorts has already had a significant impact on both the local economy and the travel plans of many tourists.
The Savoie region, a prime winter destination, typically attracts thousands of skiers and snowboarders during this time of year. Many visitors, eager to enjoy the slopes, found themselves stranded or facing significant delays due to the road closures.
While the authorities have been commended for their swift response, officials have cautioned that the disruption is far from over.
Travel disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days, and authorities have urged travellers to check real-time updates before setting off. With no immediate resolution in sight, the rockfall serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change in the region.
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