240 skiers evacuated by helicopter after French ski lift breaks down

A ski lift broke down at around 13:30 today (December 24), leading to 240 skiers needing to be rescued via helicopter. 

Festoure, a ski lift in the SuperDévoluy resort in the Hautes-Alpes, was victim of a mechanical problem. 

Gendarmes, dozens of mountain firefighters, two ambulances and a team from the department's fire and rescue service were quickly called in, as well as the helicopter ‘Choucas 05’. 

According to reports, the evacuation started around 15:00. 

None of the skiers were injured. 

The municipality provided a reception room within the resort and requisitioned its highway patrolmen to help.