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2026 Archive Index - All Editions

In This Edition:

Avalanche Cycle in Europe (Note)

The avalanche incidents and fatalities in the Alps continue. High profile fatal incidents occurred in Italy, Switzerland and France. We are not keeping up with the details but there are plenty of news stories out there for the interested reader. Beyond recreation there have been numerous access roads blocked by avalanches and a train derailed in Switzerland (article link below).

Avalanche winter 1951 - Part 4 (Forest Protection)

The fourth and final part of this series.

In terms of area, forest is the most important means of avalanche protection. It is also the most cost-effective and is naturally renewable. This insight hit home after the winter of 1951, when over 1,000 avalanches caused immense damage. The SLF began researching how protection forests could be sustainably developed.

More ... (SLF)

French Alps Paralysed Amid 'Very High' Avalanche Danger

Feb 12 - The French Alps ground to a standstill on Thursday as avalanche risk reached the highest possible alert level, forcing the complete closure of some of France's most popular ski destinations at the peak of the winter holiday season. La Plagne announced that all lifts, slopes, ski schools and mountain activities would be shut for the safety of both guests and staff. The neighbouring Les Arcs resort followed suit. Access roads to the resorts remain open, though authorities have warned visitors to expect delays and potential disruption. The entire Savoie region has been placed on Level 5 avalanche alert — the maximum possible rating and one that is exceptionally rare. The rating indicates extraordinarily dangerous conditions where large natural avalanches are not just possible but expected.

The closures extend far beyond La Plagne and Les Arcs. In the Chamonix Valley, authorities restricted access to upper mountain sectors including Les Grands Montets, Brévent, Flégère, and Balme-Le Tour, with only limited lower-altitude beginner areas remaining open. Other major destinations including Val d'Isère and Morzine have warned of significant operational delays as extensive avalanche control work becomes necessary before any lifts can safely operate.

The crisis stems from relentless snowfall atop an already unstable base layer. Heavy snowfall and drifting snow have accumulated over an older weak layer, meaning avalanches can be easily triggered or may occur naturally in many areas , according to Swiss avalanche bulletins describing similar conditions across the border.
More ... (Snow Industry News)

Avalanche derails Swiss train - several people injured

Feb 16 - Multiple people have been injured after a train derailed in Switzerland following an avalanche near the Swiss Alps, police have said. The train derailed near Goppenstein in the Valais region at round 7am local time (6am GMT). Around 30 people have been evacuated so far after emergency services arrived on the scene.

Swiss outlet 20Minuten reported that around 80 people were believed to be onboard, with Air Zermatt helicopters and two ambulances currently involved in the rescue efforts. Emergency services have not provided any detail on the casualties. The site has been entirely cordoned off as investigations continue.

Train company BLS said the train derailed due to an avalanche that came down in the Stockgraben area. The train departed the town of Spiez, on the shores of Lake Thun, at 6:12am. The line is suspected to be closed until at least 4am on Tuesday (3am GMT).
More ... (The Independent)