A massive avalanche struck the Val di Rhêmes in the Aosta Valley, Italy, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, prompting the evacuation of over 200 tourists by helicopter, authorities reported Wednesday.
The avalanche, estimated to be 200 meters wide, blocked the Regional Road No. 24, effectively trapping approximately 242 people in the village of Rhemes-Notre-Dame, according to the Aosta Valley Civil Protection agency. The evacuation operation, utilizing helicopters, successfully transported all tourists to safety and allowed them to reach their accommodations.
The incident occurred during the Carnival holidays, a period of increased tourism in the Aosta Valley, with many visitors seeking skiing opportunities or enjoying the mountain scenery. Approximately 30 individuals who were unable to return to their homes were provided overnight accommodation at the Ramires Barracks in Aosta.
Dramatic footage circulating online, including a video posted by GazzettaMatin, shows a skier nearly caught in the avalanche as a large snow cloud descends the mountainside. The video, captured near the Courmayeur ski area, highlights the significant avalanche risk currently present in the region.
Even as no injuries were reported directly related to the avalanche in Rhemes-Notre-Dame, authorities confirmed that a skier was caught in the snow cloud near Courmayeur. The extent of any injuries to that skier remains unconfirmed.
The Regional Road was briefly reopened on Wednesday, February 18, to allow tourists to depart, but the Aosta Valley weather service reported snow accumulations of up to 150 centimeters, indicating continued hazardous conditions. The Civil Protection agency continues to monitor the situation and assess the stability of the surrounding slopes.
