The Alps faced widespread avalanche warnings, and some villages were cut off this week after the winter storm Eleanor swept through the region, dumping more than six feet of snow in some areas.

The road into the French ski resort of Val Thorens was closed because of the snowfall for a period of time from Wednesday into Thursday, leaving thousands of vacationers stranded. Authorities advised those staying in the area to remain indoors until the storm passed by.

But even after the snowfall stopped, the risk for avalanches continued, with Val Thorens and other areas remaining on the highest alert in the days after the storm.