Photo: Kantonspolizei Wallis
Early Monday morning, the raw power of the Alpine winter was on full display as a regional train was forced from its tracks near the village of Goppenstein. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 AM local time when a massive avalanche struck the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS) regional express as it emerged from the Stockgraben Tunnel. While initial reports feared multiple casualties, authorities have confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries, with rescue teams and helicopters navigating extreme conditions to reach the scene.
A Storm Cycle for the Books
News
175cm of Snow and a Destroyed Lift in Méribel
This derailment is not an isolated event but the result of a brutal storm cycle—including the recent Storm Nils—that has dumped up to three meters of snow on some slopes in just seven days. This massive influx of moisture, combined with 100mph winds, has pushed the avalanche danger to a rare Level 5 (Maximum) across parts of Switzerland and France. In Valais, the situation has become so critical that authorities have ordered evacuations and closed major access roads to resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
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Travel and Infrastructure Impact
The aftermath of the slide has led to significant disruptions, with rail services between Goppenstein and Brig suspended until at least February 21. In the surrounding Canton of Valais, authorities have issued evacuation orders for certain high-risk residential areas as storms continue to sweep through the region. For those currently in the mountains, the message is clear: the current conditions are rare, dangerous, and require the utmost caution.
Photo: Kantonspolizei WallisTGR Community Safety Update
We live for deep days and big lines, but safety remains our north star. Whether you are scoping lines or just out for a morning tour, understanding the snowpack is non-negotiable. This recent event in Switzerland highlights that even established infrastructure isn’t immune to the mountain’s power when conditions hit a critical state. We urge all our readers in the Alps to stay on marked slopes, check local bulletins religiously, and respect the massive natural forces currently at play.
Marlee KnightContent & Event Coordinator
Marlee Knight is a Content & Event Coordinator at Teton Gravity Research, helping support film premieres, events, and the stories that bring the action sports community together. When she’s not working, she’s usually outside — snowboarding, backpacking, or out with a camera.