Luxury Hotel Fire Forces Mass Evacuation in Courchevel Ski Resorts
Luxury Hotel Fire Forces Mass Evacuation in Courchevel Ski Resorts
A serious fire broke out Tuesday evening at the five-star Hotel des Grandes Alpes in the prestigious Courchevel ski resort.
The blaze started in the attic of the historic property, which is known for hosting royalty and high-profile guests. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no guests or staff members were injured during the initial emergency.
The evacuation eventually grew to include approximately 300 people as the fire intensified. Beyond the primary hotel, the neighboring five-star Hotel Le Lana was also cleared as a precaution against spreading smoke.
Displaced tourists were temporarily gathered at the municipal town hall before being relocated to alternative luxury accommodations.
More than 130 firefighters battled the inferno, facing difficulties due to the building’s wooden architecture and heavy snow on the roof. While the flames were largely contained by Wednesday morning, four firefighters sustained minor injuries during the operation.
Their efforts were critical in preventing the fire from jumping to adjacent luxury chalets.
This incident has renewed concerns regarding fire safety in Alpine resorts, coming shortly after a tragic New Year’s Eve fire in Switzerland that caused multiple fatalities.
Regional authorities are now under increased pressure to audit luxury wooden structures. Ensuring these high-end properties meet modern safety protocols remains a top priority for the Savoie prefecture.
Savoie Prefect, Vanina Nicoli described the operation as “intense,” noting that while the risk of spreading has been neutralized, the cause remains under investigation.
As Courchevel is currently in the height of its winter season, the fire has caused significant concern among its international clientele.
Officials continue to monitor the site to ensure the historic area remains secure.
