As heavy snowfall results in increased avalanche risk, major ski resorts in the French Alps have made the significant decision to close their slopes, marking the highest alert since 2018. Tignes and La Plagne have both proactively opted to shut down their ski areas as the region enters into the school holiday period, which typically draws a large number of tourists and skiers. The avalanche risk is particularly critical as storms bring unprecedented snowfall throughout the week.

The avalanche warnings have been issued against the backdrop of Storm Nils, covering substantial parts of the Alpine region. While much of France faces rainfall, the mountainous areas are experiencing heavy, continuous snowfall—a situation that is projected to worsen with forecasts indicating further accumulation of snow, reaching up to 50 cm per day in the northern Alps. Such conditions have prompted local authorities and ski resorts to take stringent measures for the safety of visitors and residents alike.

As the winter sports season coincides with school vacations in France, particularly in Zone A (which includes locations like Lyon), the closure of ski slopes could significantly impact families and tourists planning to enjoy the winter landscape. This decision showcases not only the challenges posed by extreme weather events but also highlights the reliance of local economies on ski tourism, putting pressure on resort managers and local communities to prioritize safety while considering potential economic repercussions from closing popular ski areas.