This beginning of February has been marked by a significant landslide on the national road 90, hindering access to the ski resorts of Tarentaise in Savoie. Although motorists have encountered serious difficulties on this road, the good news is abundant: the rail connections, particularly the TGV and TER, remain operational, thereby allowing vacationers to reach the slopes without hassle. This reassuring situation aims to encourage winter sports enthusiasts to fully enjoy their getaways, despite the unforeseen issues related to road traffic.
On February 1, 2025, a landslide occurred on the RN 90, causing major disruptions on the road linking Albertville to the ski resorts of Tarentaise. Although road access has become complicated, the winter holidays are not compromised: the rail connections remain operational, allowing vacationers to comfortably reach the slopes. In this article, we will explore the consequences of this incident on road traffic and the transport alternatives available to winter sports enthusiasts.
The consequences of the landslide
This weekend, motorists encountered unexpected difficulties as a large block of stone detached from the mountain, blocking the lanes on the RN 90. The incident, which occurred at the gorges of Ponserand, immobilized hundreds of vehicles and required clearing operations to restore traffic. Emergency services mobilized quickly, but access to the ski resorts was blocked for several hours, leaving many vacationers in uncertainty.
Rail connections maintained
Despite these incidents on the road, the good news is that the rail connections between the main train stations and the ski resorts of Savoie remain intact. The trains, notably the TGV and TER, continue to serve the stations of Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, Landry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, thereby allowing skiers to reach the slopes without hassle. This alternative is all the more appreciated as many vacationers prefer the train for its practicality and comfort.
Access by other means of transport
For those who have not succeeded in booking a TGV, the TER network offers regular connections without the need for reservation. This means that even if the TGV trains are full, it is still possible to reach the resorts by taking a local train. It is, however, advisable to plan one’s schedule, as seating may be limited during peak periods, such as weekends at the start of holidays.
The role of bus shuttles
Alongside the trains, the transport company Altibus maintains its shuttle services to the ski resorts. However, travel times may be extended due to traffic adjustments related to the landslide. Vacationers are therefore encouraged to allow for some leeway when buses transport them from the stations.
The prospects for restoring road traffic
The local authorities are working hard to ensure a return to normal on the RN 90. Although safety works have been undertaken quickly, traffic may remain hindered for several days, due to the need to check the integrity of the banks. The situation remains under observation, but for now, the vacationers can rely on rail connections to head towards the snow-covered slopes.
