New Film Marks 25 Years Since Deadly Pyrenees Blizzard

On November 20, a new film titled *Balandrau vent salvatge, una tragèdia* premieres, marking 25 years since one of the Pyrenees' deadliest weather events—a ferocious blizzard that claimed 13 lives and tested rescue teams from Andorra, France, and Spain.

The disaster unfolded on December 30, 2000, starting around 2 p.m. Winds gusting to 170 km/h combined with heavy snow and ice to create near-zero visibility and wind chills dropping to -40°C. What began as calm, mild conditions turned catastrophic within minutes, trapping skiers and turning the slopes into a deadly trap for 16 hours.

Ten people died on Balandrau in northern Ripollès county, two more on Coma d'Orri, and one at Port Ainé. Rescue efforts drew teams from across borders, including Andorran police and firefighters. In 2000, Andorran police still handled mountain rescues alongside firefighters—a role they shared until 2003, when it shifted exclusively to the latter.

Thirteen Andorran firefighters from the mountain and dog rescue unit joined the operation, coordinated by Catalan rescue leader Siscu Carola, who passed away in 2024 after leading 860 mountain missions. Carola described it as Catalonia's largest high-mountain rescue: "There is a before and after in mountain rescues. More was believed in them, more money and equipment invested, more training provided."

The event strengthened cross-border ties, with Carola linking Andorran, French, and Catalan teams. Andorran rescuers recall intense, cohesive work amid shock at the blizzard's ferocity, even as colleagues responded to calls in Vallfogona de Ripollès.

Andorra recorded its sole fatality indirectly linked to the storm. After the worst had passed, a 23-year-old Catalan man died snowboarding off-piste in Soldeu-El Tarter. The station had closed the area due to ice buildup and snowdrifts from prior days' extreme cold and wind.

The incident inspired further accounts, including meteorologist Jordi Cruz's book *3 nits de torb i 1 Cap d’Any* (Símbol Editors) and a 2021 TV3 documentary, *Balandrau, infern glaçat*. Andorran participants emphasize the operation's scale as a turning point in regional preparedness.