Crystal Ski customers are among 484 Easter skiers and staff forced to flee from a hotel in La Plagne when a fire broke out in the middle of the night.
Multiple fire engines and more than 90 fire fighters attended the blaze at the MMV Aime 2000, which started at around 2.45am, according to local media.
Four people were injured and taken to hospital in Bourg Saint Maurice.
Local mum Jennifer Tsang, who is helping with the rescue effort, said guests fled the building in only their nightwear, leaving their belongings behind.
“They had to run to the sports centre in their bare feet. When I arrived at about 6am, there were people just in shorts and tops, they had no coats, nothing.”
One post on social media said many had lost clothes and ski equipment, some had lost ‘everything’.
In a statement, Crystal parent TUI said: “We would like to apologise to customers whose holiday has been impacted following a contained fire at the Hotel Club MMV Plagne 2000 this morning.
“We can confirm that all customers were safely evacuated and have been moved to a nearby location where our team is taking care of them. Guests are being provided with necessary essentials needed including refreshments, food and clothing.
“We would like to reassure customers that their safety is our most important priority as we continue to monitor the situation with local authorities. We are in the process of arranging alternative accommodation and our team on the ground will continue to support our guests and provide regular updates.”
Locals have rallied round, putting out pleas on social media for residents to provide warm clothing, medication, sanitary products and phone chargers.
“Everyone has been brilliant,” said Jennifer. “Locals, seasonaires, tour operator reps are all working together to help.”
She said Crystal Ski reps had gone to the nearest town in the valley to buy essentials such as clothes and toiletries. “The operators are helping each other to find alternative accommodation for everyone,” added Jennifer, who runs a local tour business, That’s La Plagne.
She said some Crystal guests are in the process of being transferred to empty chalets and apartments managed by other tour operators.
Those who were evacuated can find further help on the Facebook page La Plagne Fans 2024/25.
