{"id":1875804,"date":"2026-04-10T12:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875804"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:19:21","slug":"psa-dont-walk-on-frozen-lakes-in-april","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875804","title":{"rendered":"PSA: Don\u2019t Walk on Frozen Lakes in April"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_362410\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-362410\" style=\"width: 1446px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"wp-image-362410 size-full lazyload\" src=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAoAAAAH0AQMAAACXWA4qAAAABlBMVEUAAAD\/\/\/+l2Z\/dAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAD1JREFUeNrtwQEBAAAAgiD\/r25IQAEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPwanjQAAcW+qucAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=640%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?w=1446&amp;ssl=1 1446w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=300%2C234&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=1200%2C938&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=768%2C600&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=600%2C469&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"640\" data-eio-rheight=\"500\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"wp-image-362410 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PXL_20250527_212406749.MP_-e1775823175596.jpg?resize=640%2C500&amp;ssl=1\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"500\" data-eio=\"l\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-362410\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ice is getting thin in spring! | Image: SnowBrains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"ai-viewports ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3 ai-insert-2-99997639\" style=\"margin: 8px auto;text-align: center;clear: both\" data-insertion-position=\"prepend\" data-selector=\".ai-insert-2-99997639\" data-insertion-no-dbg data-code=\"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\" data-block=\"2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ai-viewports ai-viewport-1 ai-insert-1-17095511\" style=\"margin: 8px auto;text-align: center;clear: both\" data-insertion-position=\"prepend\" data-selector=\".ai-insert-1-17095511\" data-insertion-no-dbg data-code=\"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\" data-block=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>As spring tightens its grip on the Alps, European mountain resorts are issuing what might be the most obvious \u2014 and apparently most ignored \u2014 public safety message of the season: don\u2019t walk on melting lakes.\u00a0<\/strong>Yet despite rising temperatures and visibly thinning ice, visitors are still venturing onto frozen surfaces across the Alps. In recent days, several resorts reported rescues of people breaking through the thin ice into the frigid water below and needing rescuing, and in some cases, hospitalization for hypothermia. Now, several municipalities have had to issue official decrees or bans to prevent those who are too stubborn to heed warning signs or apply common sense.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/snowbrains.com\/skating-on-a-frozen-lake-in-the-canadian-rockies\/\"><strong><em>Skating on a Frozen Lake in the Canadian Rockies<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In Tignes, France, the mayor has taken the most direct approach, issuing a formal decree prohibiting access to the resort\u2019s iconic frozen lake.<\/strong> The Lac de Tignes, a centerpiece of the high-altitude ski town throughout winter, becomes increasingly unstable in April as longer days and stronger sun exposure weaken the ice from both above and below. What looks solid can quickly turn into a slushy, fractured surface incapable of supporting weight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Across the border in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where frozen lakes are practically part of the resort\u2019s identity \u2014 hosting everything from vintage car racing to snow polo in midwinter \u2014 authorities have also raised the alarm.<\/strong> Officials are urging visitors to stay off the ice entirely as spring conditions accelerate melting, even at altitude. Several people have fallen into the lake in recent days despite official closures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Further to the south in Italy, concerns have been echoed at Pragser Wildsee (or Lago di Braies in Italian), one of the Dolomites\u2019 most photographed locations.<\/strong> The lake\u2019s picturesque frozen surface may still look inviting on Instagram, but local authorities have cautioned that the ice is no longer reliable \u2014 despite appearances. Two children fell through the thin ice layer this week, prompting family members to rush to their aid, only to find themselves breaking through the ice as well.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_398808\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-398808\" style=\"width: 774px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"wp-image-398808 size-full lazyload\" style=\"font-size: 16px\" src=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAoAAAAGrAQMAAABqgLQIAAAABlBMVEUAAAD\/\/\/+l2Z\/dAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAADhJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T+1tB6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADgDIcbAAEnbF1FAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?w=774&amp;ssl=1 774w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"640\" data-eio-rheight=\"427\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"wp-image-398808 size-full\" style=\"font-size: 16px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3232.webp?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-eio=\"l\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-398808\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prager Wildsee is a popular tourist location \u2014 but in April can be a death trap. | Image: ANSA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>The problem is deceptively simple<\/strong>. Spring brings warmer air temperatures, stronger solar radiation, and longer daylight hours. Even when overnight freezes occur, they often fail to fully refreeze the weakened ice structure. Beneath the surface, water currents and warming temperatures can further erode thickness, creating hidden weak spots. The South Tyrol fire department urges,\u00a0 \u201cOur appeal is: don\u2019t walk on the lake anymore and respect the signs present,\u201d stressing that these incidents can quickly become life-threatening.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In other words: that scenic shortcut across the lake: i<\/strong><strong>t\u2019s not a shortcut \u2014 it\u2019s a gamble.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_398809\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-398809\" style=\"width: 675px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-398809 lazyload\" src=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAoAAAARyAQMAAAANidZIAAAABlBMVEUAAAD\/\/\/+l2Z\/dAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHBJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPgYaCEAAUDBrvAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"1138\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3231.webp?resize=640%2C1138&amp;ssl=1\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3231.webp?w=675&amp;ssl=1 675w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3231.webp?resize=169%2C300&amp;ssl=1 169w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3231.webp?resize=600%2C1067&amp;ssl=1 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"640\" data-eio-rheight=\"1138\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-398809\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/snowbrains.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_3231.webp?resize=640%2C1138&amp;ssl=1\" alt width=\"640\" height=\"1138\" data-eio=\"l\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-398809\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Lake in Tignes was closed by the mayor on April 8. | Image: Mairie de Tignes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"ai-viewports ai-viewport-1 ai-insert-3-67389103\" style=\"margin: 8px auto;text-align: center;clear: both\" data-insertion-position=\"prepend\" data-selector=\".ai-insert-3-67389103\" data-insertion-no-dbg data-code=\"PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0nY29kZS1ibG9jayBjb2RlLWJsb2NrLTMnIHN0eWxlPSdtYXJnaW46IDhweCBhdXRvOyB0ZXh0LWFsaWduOiBjZW50ZXI7IGRpc3BsYXk6IGJsb2NrOyBjbGVhcjogYm90aDsnPgo8ZGl2IHN0eWxlPSJkaXNwbGF5OmZsZXg7anVzdGlmeS1jb250ZW50OmNlbnRlcjt3aWR0aDoxMDAlOyI+CiAgPGRpdiBjbGFzcz0iZ3B0NzI4LXBsYWNlaG9sZGVyIiBzdHlsZT0ibWluLXdpZHRoOjcyOHB4O21pbi1oZWlnaHQ6OTBweDsiPjwvZGl2Pgo8L2Rpdj4KPHNjcmlwdD4KICB3aW5kb3cuX2dwdDcyOENvdW50ID0gKHdpbmRvdy5fZ3B0NzI4Q291bnQgfHwgMCkgKyAxOwogIHZhciBzbG90SWQgPSAnZ3B0NzI4LScgKyB3aW5kb3cuX2dwdDcyOENvdW50OwogIGRvY3VtZW50LnF1ZXJ5U2VsZWN0b3JBbGwoJy5ncHQ3MjgtcGxhY2Vob2xkZXI6bm90KFtpZF0pJylbMF0uaWQgPSBzbG90SWQ7CiAgZ29vZ2xldGFnLmNtZC5wdXNoKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgeyBnb29nbGV0YWcuZGlzcGxheShzbG90SWQpOyB9KTsKPC9zY3JpcHQ+PC9kaXY+Cg==\" data-block=\"3\"><\/div>\n<p><!-- CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ice is getting thin in spring! | Image: SnowBrains As spring tightens its grip on the Alps, European mountain resorts are issuing what might be the most obvious \u2014 and apparently most ignored \u2014 public safety message of the season: don\u2019t walk on melting lakes.\u00a0Yet despite rising temperatures and visibly thinning ice, visitors are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,267],"class_list":["post-1875804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-snowbrains-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875804"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875804\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}