Avalanche
Several major French ski resorts have announced closures and severe operational disruptions as avalanche danger reaches maximum levels across large parts of the French Alps.
Storm Nils has brought intense snowfall, storm-force winds, and rapidly deteriorating snowpack stability, prompting authorities to issue avalanche danger ratings of 5/5 (Very High) in the Mont Blanc, Aravis, Chablais, Haute-Tarentaise, and Oisans massifs. Elsewhere in the northern French Alps, the danger is rated 4/5 (High). Forecasters describe the situation as “remarkable,” and in some sectors—particularly near Mont Blanc and in Haute-Tarentaise—potentially “exceptional.”
Paradiski—one of the largest ski domains in the world, linking La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Peisey-Vallandry—announced a full closure for Thursday, February 12. “Due to heavy snowfall at altitude and the risk of exceptional avalanches, the ski area is closed,” the resort said Wednesday evening. Paradiski spans 425 kilometers of slopes, with 70% of terrain above 2,000 meters. The closure comes in the middle of peak tourist season and during school holidays, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Chamonix announced the closure of all high-altitude areas in the ski area. The ski areas Brévent, Flégère, Balme/Le Tour/Vallorcine, Les Grands Montets, Vormaine, Chosalets, Poya are closed this Thursday, February 12, 2026 with the exception of Les Houches, Planards and Savoy. The northern sectors Argentière and Vallorcine are also closed.
Other major resorts, including Val d’Isère and Morzine, have warned of significant delays as extensive avalanche control work will be required before any lifts can open—if conditions allow. Across Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Isère (Oisans), many ski areas are expected to severely limit operations.
In the past 24 hours alone, 30 to 50 centimeters (12–20 inches) of snow have fallen above 1,800 meters in the inner Alpine massifs, and above 2,000 meters in the western ranges. By Thursday morning, forecasters expect 70–100 centimeters (28-40 inches) above 2,200 meters, 50–80 centimeters (20-32 inches) at 1,800–2,000 meters, and up to 1 meter (40 inches) or more above 2,000 meters in Oisans. Locally, up to 1.5 meters (60 inches) can be possible, such as in the Mont Blanc massif. An additional 30–50 centimeters (12-20 inches) is forecast to fall above 1,800 meters during Thursday.
Storm-force winds are compounding the problem, creating deep wind slabs, large drifts, and fragile cornices. Many slopes now contain fracture depths of 1–2 meters (48-80 inches), with widespread, highly reactive slabs.
The Haute-Tarentaise region—including Tignes and Val d’Isère—is facing what forecasters are calling an EXCEPTIONAL avalanche situation. Very large avalanches are expected overnight and throughout Thursday.
Authorities warn that some releases could:
- Travel extremely long vertical distances
- Mobilize massive snow volumes
- Reach maximum historical runout zones
- Produce powder clouds extending into inhabited areas
In rare cases, avalanches could descend as low as 1,200–1,400 meters, potentially impacting roads, infrastructure, and even mountain buildings. Particularly exposed sectors include the Gurraz and Savinaz slopes. The accidental avalanche risk is described as MAXIMUM on all aspects and at all elevations, with remote triggering possible.
In the Mont Blanc, Chablais, and Aravis ranges, danger levels are rising from High (4/5) Wednesday evening to Maximum (5/5) on Thursday.
Very numerous size 3 to 4 avalanches (large to very large) are expected, with cascading releases possible on west, north, and east-facing slopes due to a persistent weak layer buried deep in the snowpack.
Forecasters warn that human-triggered avalanches are highly likely, and that many slopes are extremely sensitive to even a single skier’s weight.
Further south in the Oisans, avalanche danger is also rising to 5/5 above 2,000 meters. Fresh snow depths could exceed 1 meter (60 inches) around 2,500 meters, accompanied by strong westerly to northwesterly winds. Numerous large to very large avalanches are expected to sweep through couloirs and steep terrain.
Some avalanches may descend into valley floors or affect roads near Rochetaillée, Ornon, Saint-Christophe, and La Grave. Several avalanches were already reported in the Haute Romanche valley on Wednesday down to around 1,800 meters.
High alpine terrain is described as effectively off-limits.
Météo-France has placed around 30 departments on orange alert for risks including avalanches, strong winds, flooding, and waves-submersion. In the Alps, Hautes-Alpes, Isère, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie are under orange avalanche vigilance beginning Wednesday evening and lasting through Thursday.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to strictly respect safety instructions, avoid off-piste travel, and consult official bulletins (BERA) before venturing into the mountains.
Despite improving snow coverage above 1,500 meters, the snowpack is described as highly unstable and evolving unfavorably at mid- and high-altitudes. Below 1,500 meters, rain and wet snow are further weakening lower layers.
Given the combination of heavy snowfall, storm winds, and persistent weak layers, forecasters strongly discourage any backcountry travel.
Road closures are possible, lift operations may remain suspended, and additional resorts could announce closures in the coming hours.
For now, much of the French Alps is on pause—waiting for the storm to pass and the mountains to settle.
With the forecast ahead for MUCH more snow, couldn’t these closure potentially continue for weeks?
I meter is 39 inches, not 60.