Unexpected Late Season Snow In The Southern French Alps: Weather Report

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Unprecedented Snowfall Amounts and Locations

The late-season snowstorm brought unprecedented snowfall amounts to various areas within the Southern French Alps. Locations typically basking in springtime sunshine found themselves under a blanket of unexpected white. Areas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, and Alpes-Maritimes experienced particularly heavy snowfall. The accumulation far exceeded historical averages for this time of year, leading to significant disruption.

• Snow depth in Barcelonnette: Reached 40cm, significantly higher than the usual April average of 5cm.
• Record snowfall in Valloire: Reported a record snowfall of 60cm in 24 hours, exceeding all previous records for the month of April.
• Impact on lower elevation areas: Even areas at lower elevations, normally unaffected by significant snowfall at this time of year, saw accumulations of up to 15cm, causing widespread disruption.

Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

The heavy snowfall severely impacted transportation and infrastructure across the Southern French Alps. Road closures became commonplace, particularly on mountain passes and higher altitude routes. Train services faced significant delays and cancellations, impacting both regional and national rail connections.

• Major road closures and alternative routes: The D902 and D900 were closed for several hours, causing significant delays for commuters and tourists. Alternative routes were heavily congested.
• Train service disruptions and delays: The TER regional train services between Nice and Gap experienced significant delays, with some routes completely cancelled.
• Airport closures and flight cancellations: While no major airport closures were reported, several smaller airfields were temporarily shut down due to poor visibility and snow accumulation on runways. Several flights experienced delays. Power outages were also reported in isolated areas, affecting essential services.

Warnings and Safety Precautions Issued by Authorities

Météo-France issued severe weather warnings, advising residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution. The warnings highlighted the dangers of driving in snowy conditions, the significant avalanche risk, and the potential for power outages.

• Specific warnings issued by Météo-France: Météo-France issued orange and red weather alerts for various parts of the Southern French Alps, emphasizing the potential danger of heavy snowfall and avalanches.
• Recommendations for safe driving in snowy conditions: Authorities advised against unnecessary travel, and recommended using winter tires, carrying snow chains, and driving at reduced speeds.
• Advice on avalanche safety and awareness: Mountain rescue teams issued warnings about the increased avalanche risk and advised hikers and skiers to avoid high-altitude areas.

Impact on Tourism and Local Businesses

The unexpected late-season snow has had a mixed impact on tourism and local businesses. While some ski resorts might have benefited from extended snow cover, many other tourism-dependent businesses have faced challenges. The disruption to transportation and the warnings about avalanche risk have discouraged tourists from visiting certain areas.

• Impact on ski resorts (if applicable): Some higher altitude ski resorts likely benefited from extended ski seasons, although the unexpected nature of the snow could have posed logistical challenges.
• Effect on hiking and other outdoor activities: Hiking and other outdoor activities were severely curtailed, leading to cancellations and lost revenue for tour operators and related businesses.
• Potential impact on the upcoming tourist season: The late snow could have a lingering negative impact on the upcoming spring and summer tourist season, depending on the extent of infrastructure damage and the perceived risk to visitors.

Conclusion

The unexpected late-season snowfall in the Southern French Alps is a significant weather event, impacting transportation, infrastructure, and tourism. The unprecedented snowfall amounts led to widespread disruptions and necessitated safety precautions. It's crucial for residents and tourists alike to stay informed about weather conditions in the Southern French Alps. Before travelling, check updated weather reports for the Southern French Alps regularly from reliable sources like Météo-France to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Stay informed and plan your activities accordingly to minimize risks associated with unexpected late-season snow in this beautiful region. Checking the Southern French Alps weather forecast regularly is key for planning your trip.