The fear was palpable, but once back on the ground, reflections began. A woman who was among those affected shared her thoughts in a letter to La Repubblica: “I wonder why we had to face such a situation. Was it really necessary to open the lifts without ensuring proper safety conditions? I’m not here to protest, but I think there are lessons to be learned from this.” She was one of 150 people stranded on December 6, the opening day of Monterosa Ski, due to strong winds. With her were her children, aged 6 and 12, along with many other families with children.
Rescue operations in Valsesia (Vercelli province) involved about 150 skiers and hikers who were unable to descend because the lifts were stopped by strong gusts of wind above Alagna Valsesia. Fortunately, all were brought to safety, but the experience was frightening. In the early afternoon, strong winds began in the area, halting the operation of the lifts. A group of people was stranded at the Passo dei Salati station, where the ski resort staff started bringing them down using snowcats. However, the most critical situation occurred between Pianalunga and Alagna, where insufficient snow prevented the use of snow groomers, and icy service roads blocked access for wheeled vehicles.
“I’m not blaming anyone. On the contrary, I must thank the rescuers – the Alpine and Speleological Rescue of Piedmont and the Alpine Rescue of the Guardia di Finanza – and the fact that the wind eventually subsided. But if it hadn’t, I might not be as calm telling this story because the situation was uncertain from the start of the day, and it was known that the wind would arrive.”
While the outcome was positive, this incident raises important questions about safety management and the need to ensure a secure experience for all visitors, particularly under adverse weather conditions.
Source: Il fatto quotidiano
by Sesiavalley
