One of Switzerland’s most iconic ski resorts, Zermatt, has been completely cut off from the outside world following a powerful spring snowstorm that blanketed the region in over three feet of snow, crippling transportation and knocking out power.
The extreme weather event began earlier this week and culminated on the morning of April 18, when nearly 100 centimeters (approximately 39 inches) of fresh snow fell in the high-altitude alpine area surrounding the resort, located at an elevation of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Authorities immediately suspended access to the village via road and rail, citing safety concerns.
Both the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway and the only road connecting Zermatt to the rest of the region were closed due to avalanche risks and snow blockages. As a result, no vehicles or trains were able to enter or leave the picturesque car-free village, famous for its views of the Matterhorn and as a high-end ski destination popular among international tourists.
Local officials sent out emergency text alerts urging residents and visitors to remain indoors. The warnings emphasized the dangers of traveling due to icy roads, avalanche threats, and downed power lines. Residents woke up to a town without electricity Friday morning, further complicating the response efforts.
The outage, caused by damage to electrical infrastructure under the weight of snow and falling ice, left homes, hotels, and businesses in the dark. Repair teams struggled to access the affected areas due to dangerous road conditions and ongoing snowfall.
“Zermatt is currently isolated. There is no train connection and the roads are closed. Please stay indoors and follow safety instructions,” read one of the official messages shared with locals.
While such weather events are not entirely unusual in the Alps, the timing and scale of this storm have raised concerns. A snowfall of this intensity is rare this late in the season, particularly as much of Europe has already transitioned into spring.
As of midday Friday, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities, but tourism operations were suspended, and emergency services remained on high alert. The local government was working to restore access and electricity as soon as conditions allow.
Zermatt, a globally recognized luxury resort, relies heavily on tourism. Thousands of American travelers visit the village each year, drawn by world-class skiing, hiking, and panoramic mountain views. With the village currently unreachable, some U.S. tourists may find themselves delayed or stranded in nearby Swiss cities such as Visp or Täsch.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and local officials have not yet released a timeline for when access to the village will be restored, noting that weather forecasts predict continuing snowfall and sub-zero temperatures through the weekend.
Emergency preparedness has long been a part of life in the Swiss Alps, but the situation in Zermatt is a reminder that even well-equipped resorts can be vulnerable to the forces of nature.
