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Crystal adds flights as snow chaos strands skiers in French Alps

After a poor start to the ski season in the Alps much-needed snow eventually arrived but caused chaos for thousands of holidaymakers.


Reports claimed up to 15,000 motorists were stranded in the French region of Savoy during a key winter snow sports holiday weekend.


An orange weather alert has now been lifted by the French authorities as the roads were cleared and re-opened but motorists encountered disruption for a second consecutive night.


One died after his vehicle fell into a ravine.


Many British skiers were caught up in the chaos and forced to spend the night in emergency accommodation set up in local gyms or community centres.


Chambery Airport experienced severe problems with thousands of holidaymakers stranded there after their flights were grounded.


Specialist ski operator Crystal said it was operating additional flights to get people home.


In a statement it said: “The unprecedented weather conditions across France yesterday and subsequent road closures meant that thousands of passengers were unable to travel to their resort to start their holiday or return home after their Christmas break.


“As a result a number of Crystal customers spent the night at the airport and in emergency shelters set up by the local authorities.


“The Crystal team has been working overnight with the airlines, airport and coach companies. The following plans are in place this morning:


“Additional aircraft will be flown into the Alps to bring customers home. Our goal is to get everyone home to the UK later today


“All arriving customers will continue their journey to resort as roads open during the day.


“As there are still large numbers of people across the Alps we are expecting that this will take time and we need to  continue to work closely with the authorities regarding when these coach journeys should take place.


“We will continue to keep customers updated via our overseas staff on the ground, by phone and social media.”

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