347 Skiers Rescued by Helicopter After Chairlift Malfunctions in French Alps

Helicopter Rescue

Dramatic Christmas Eve Rescue as Chairlifts Break Down at Two Resorts

Hundreds of skiers were airlifted to safety on Christmas Eve after chairlift failures at two popular ski resorts in the French Alps left them stranded.

Helicopter Rescue at Super Devoluy Resort

A major rescue operation unfolded at the SuperDevoluy resort in Dévoluy after one of its chairlifts stopped working due to an electrical failure around 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

Dramatic footage captured the scene as skiers were hoisted into helicopters, dangling below as they were transported to safety. French news outlet Nouvelle Republique reported that the incident was caused by a motor issue.

By 5 p.m. local time, nearly 240 skiers had been successfully evacuated from the lift. No injuries were reported, according to Le Monde. The resort, located in France’s Southern Alps, sits at an elevation between 6,000 and 8,200 feet above sea level.

Second Incident at La Norma Ski Resort

In a separate and unrelated incident, another 100 skiers were stranded at the La Norma ski resort in Savoie, also in the French Alps. The TF1 network reported that skiers were stuck on a lift at the resort, which rises from 4,500 to nearly 9,000 feet in elevation.

Rescue Comes After Tragic Avalanche in Swiss Alps

The helicopter rescues took place just a day after a tragic accident in the Swiss Alps. Sophie Hediger, a 26-year-old Olympic snowboarder who represented Switzerland at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, tragically died in an avalanche at Arosa resort. The country’s ski federation confirmed the news on Tuesday.

Conclusion

These incidents highlight the risks and unpredictable conditions of high-altitude skiing. While no injuries occurred during the chairlift malfunctions, the swift response from emergency teams prevented a potentially dangerous situation. Skiers are reminded to stay alert and prepared for unexpected challenges on the slopes.

Source: CBS News

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