Switzerland: Travel to Zermatt area suspended due to heavy snowfall Jan. 21

Event

Swiss authorities have said that significant snowfall has resulted in the temporary suspension of all road and rail travel to the Zermatt area in Valais canton on Sunday, January 21 due to the high avalanche risk. Emergency shuttle helicopters have been organized to transport some 9,000 people currently staying at the resort. Officials have advised that there is no current danger for guests or locals.

Context

This is the second time that access to the Swiss ski resort has been suspended this year. Zermatt was cut off for two days from January 9 due to the high avalanche risk, temporarily stranding over 13,000 people.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather report and updates published on the local tourism website, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation or shelter-in-place orders).