Major route to ski stations in French Alps set to reopen after rockfall

A major road leading to ski stations in the Alps will reopen by Saturday (February 8) morning after a landslide blocked the road last weekend,  barring any unforeseen delays.

The RN90 in the Savoie department was closed after a heavy landslide last weekend saw rocks up to 150 tonnes in size fall on the road. 

Read more: Photo: Giant rockfall blocks major route to ski stations in France

Despite the falls only one driver was injured during the event, sustaining minor injuries. 

However, traffic on the road came to a virtual standstill as emergency works were required to repair the road.

Small volumes of traffic have been able to access the road but by the weekend authorities hope all lanes on the dual carriageway will open.

“There was a meeting with the State services on Tuesday afternoon and, given the information gathered on the cliff and the checks that have been carried out, the news that the RN90 will be reopened on Friday night has been confirmed by the prefecture,” said local MP Vincent Rolland. 

“The timing is very tight but work continues to meet this deadline. Barring a major new event, we will be able to reopen for the start of the vacation season,” he added (quoted in Le Parisien).

“We want to welcome holidaymakers in the best possible conditions, so to be able to completely reopen the dual carriageway, both up and down, is a very positive thing,” he said.

Drivers should note that the opening may be slightly delayed to Saturday afternoon or potentially Sunday (February 9) on the advice of safety authorities if necessary works still need to be carried out.

Ski stations to benefit from school holiday season

It will open just in time to allow travellers making their way to popular ski resorts in the area – including Tarentaise, 3 Vallées, Tignes, Val d’Isère, La Plagne, les Arcs and La Rosière – to use the route. 

Saturday marks the start of school holidays for some in France, leading to an influx of tourists and the busiest season for some of the stations. 

Read more: Calendar: French school holidays for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

The risk of a similar incident is considered low however a number of landslides in Alpine areas of France have occurred in recent years.

One significant landslide in 2023 prevented trains between Paris and Milan running for over a year. The line is set to reopen next month. 

Read more: Paris - Milan train route to reopen in March