France in focus - Avalanches in the Alps: Embedded with France's mountain rescue teams
France 24
by Joanna COCKERELLFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
France is experiencing an unusually severe winter, with avalanches claiming 28 lives in the French Alps between late December and mid-February—a stark increase compared to typical seasonal averages. FRANCE 24 journalists Jonathan Walsh and Joanna Cockerell joined highly skilled mountain rescue teams in the Savoie region to document their perilous yet critical work. These teams are racing against time to save lives, navigating treacherous conditions and employing advanced techniques to respond to the surge in emergencies caused by unpredictable weather.
The abnormal weather patterns have created a deadly combination of heavy snowfall, unstable snowpacks, and sudden temperature fluctuations, making this winter one of the most dangerous on record. Mountain rescue teams are stretched thin, often working under extreme physical and emotional stress. Despite these challenges, they continue to demonstrate remarkable bravery and expertise, using specialized equipment like airbags and winches to extract stranded individuals from avalanche sites.
The situation highlights the importance of preparedness for outdoor enthusiasts visiting mountainous regions, as well as the unsung heroes who risk their lives to save others. This story underscores the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the vital role of emergency responders in ensuring public safety.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/23/2026