Skiers Rescued After Chairlift Breakdown in Superdévoluy
On December 24, 2024, approximately 240 skiers were stranded on a chairlift at the Superdévoluy ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes region of France due to an electrical failure. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, causing a significant delay in the operation of the La Festoure chairlift. Fortunately, all skiers were safely evacuated after several hours of waiting, with some requiring helicopter assistance.
The rescue operation involved the high mountain gendarmerie, firefighters, and ski lift personnel, who worked diligently to ensure the safety of those trapped. Many skiers were evacuated using ropes, while others were airlifted by helicopter. Laurent Thélène, the general manager of SEM Dévoluy, confirmed that the rescue was successful and that all individuals were unharmed.
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight the Experience
Eyewitness accounts from skiers reveal a mix of emotions during the ordeal. Léa Barthalay, one of the first to be rescued, described the experience as both stressful and humorous, stating, "We were laughing but some were stressed, some were dizzy." Nathan, who was stuck for 3.5 hours, noted that those who experienced vertigo were prioritized for rescue.
Marjorie Palazzolo, who was stranded with her two children, expressed concern for her son, who became traumatized and cold during the wait. "We were freezing, the little one couldn't feel his feet," she recounted. Despite the challenging circumstances, some skiers found solace in humor, referencing a scene from the film "Les Bronzés font du ski" to lighten the mood.
The Dévoluy ski area, located between Gap and Grenoble, features around fifty slopes and 22 ski lifts, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. This incident comes shortly after a similar occurrence in Savoie, where another chairlift malfunctioned, leaving around a hundred skiers stranded but also safely evacuated.
