Zermatt: 13,000 tourists trapped in Swiss ski resort after extreme weather

Officials have warned of ‘very large dry avalanches’

Zermatt pistes are closed due to avalanche risk (Getty Images)

More than 13,000 visitors have been stranded in the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt for the second day running after heavy snowfall.

Local officials have issued warnings about potentially “large and, in many cases, very large dry avalanches…as a result of fresh snow and strong winds.”

The premier resort’s website also warned of “possible power breakdowns all over Zermatt.”

Roads leading in and out of resort have been closed by police since Monday morning, while all trains to and from resort were cancelled on Monday night, following the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research upping the avalanche risk level to the maximum of five.

Hiking and skiing anywhere except open runs is also prohibited while the avalanche risk is ongoing. The resort website says: “Without question, it is inadvisable to engage in ski touring, freeriding and snowshoe hiking outside marked and open pistes.”

“There are about 13,000 tourists at the moment that are spending the holiday here,” Janine Imesch, a spokesperson for Zermatt, told NBC News. “The situation is under control and there are no safety issues.”

She added: “The atmosphere in the village is relaxed and comfortable.”

The Foreign Office has tweeted the following warning: “Heavy snowstorm in the canton of Valais has caused the temporary suspension of the main road and rail links to and from the Zermatt area.”

Some guests wishing to leave resort were transported by helicopter to Taesch, a town about 5km away, on Tuesday afternoon.

No snow is forecast for tomorrow and it’s hoped that roads could reopen.