Flooding damages ski lifts in Avoriaz

6th May 2015, by Abi Butcher

Water in the lac d’Avoriaz is 7m (23ft) higher than usual. Photo: SkiPass

A massive clean-up operation is underway in the French ski resort of Avoriaz after it was hit by serious flooding over the weekend.

Torrential rain last week, combined with snow melt from the mountains, resulted in excessive water levels, with the lac d’Avoriaz rising to 7m (23ft) higher than usual, flooding the nearby Le Tour and Express du Stade chairlifts.

Surrounding villages in the Portes de Soleil have been hit, too. A landslide between Taninges and Samoëns has caused damage to homes and electricity supply in the village of Jutteninges-le-Petit. There have been landslides in the Abondance Valley which links Thonon with Châtel, where rivers have also been running dangerously high.

The damage to ski lifts and snow-making equipment in Avoriaz has yet to be assessed — the water needs to first recede before resort staff can make a full inspection of the equipment.

Vigilance is urged for anyone travelling in the area.

• ski
• snow
• avoriaz
• flooding

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