Swiss Alpine Roads Close Due to Avalanche Danger
Several Alpine roads in Switzerland have been closed due to significant avalanche danger. The closures are causing ongoing traffic problems as winter conditions persist in the mountains. Travelers and businesses relying on these routes are advised to check for disruptions.
- The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) has issued the highest possible danger level—Level 5 of 5, signifying a "very high" risk—for several regions in the canton of Valais. This level anticipates numerous very large, and potentially extremely large, spontaneous avalanches that could impact roads and settlements. - In the Valais region, the increased danger has prompted the preventative evacuation of approximately 50 people from the municipality of Orsières. - Specific closures include the cantonal road in the Saas Valley, cutting off access to villages like Saas-Fee, and interruptions to both road and rail traffic in the Goms region. Car transport services through the Furka Tunnel have also been suspended. - The current hazardous conditions are the result of heavy, persistent snowfall combined with strong winds, which have formed large, unstable snow drifts that are highly prone to triggering. - An avalanche has already derailed a regional train near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, resulting in five injuries. At least 11 fatalities have been recorded in Swiss avalanche accidents during the 2025-2026 winter season so far. - Many of the major alpine passes, including the Gotthard, Furka, Susten, and Grimsel, had already implemented their routine seasonal winter closures in November 2025. - Switzerland employs an extensive avalanche protection system developed after the catastrophic winter of 1950-51, which killed around 100 people. This system includes defensive structures, snow sheds, and spatial planning with hazard maps to protect infrastructure. - These closures impact a critical European transport axis; the Gotthard route is one of the main arteries connecting northern and southern Europe for both tourism and freight.
