Helicopter triggers avalanche amid maximum alert across French Alps

On February 14, 2026, emergency teams in the French Alps intentionally triggered an avalanche near a Chamonix ski resort as a safety measure. This action occurred amidst a maximum avalanche alert across the region. The heightened alert followed an avalanche on Friday that killed three skiers. As a result of the increased avalanche risk, several major ski resorts in the French Alps were forced to close. The controlled avalanche was intended to prevent further, uncontrolled avalanches and protect skiers and residents.