The Alpes-Maritimes department has issued a Yellow Alert for ‘Avalanches’ in the Mercantour / Haut-Var massifs, warning that “⚠️The risk of avalanche is strong, estimated at 4/5”.
The “Vigilance JAUNE avalanches” was issued on Thursday evening at around 6pm and is in effect until Friday (18 April).
France’s weather bureau, France Meteo, says on its website that “although lower than on Thursday morning, the risk of avalanches remains significant in the Alps, particularly in Haute-Maurienne, Haute-Tarentaise, and Vanoise, until Friday afternoon. Caution remains advised.”
According to France Meteo, there are an average of 31 deaths and 26 injuries from avalanches each year. “The cause of more than 90% of these accidents is a dry snow slab avalanche, which is in most cases triggered by the victim or a member of their group.”
People in the area are advised to keep themselves updated with local authorities.
Isola 2000, a ski resort in the southern French Alps, is the last Station in the Mercantour to still be open. They have posted amazing pictures and videos of the heavy snowfall over the past 24 hours, saying: “Who said it was Spring?” For this last weekend, Isola 2000 is offering a special day package from 19 to 21 April 2025 of €25 in cash for all.
Weather-wise, for the rest of the French Riviera, the Meteo is predicting sunshine on Friday as the depression moves towards central Europe; but the rest of the Easter weekend may be “disruptive” with some rain and wind.
