Every winter, the French plains are paralysed by a few snowy episodes. At the same time, in all the French massifs, the mountain people manage to keep most of the roads open.For a whole winter, we followed the snow clearing activity of the Hautes-Alpes department, according to the snowy episodes. We have been on all fronts with those who free access to the ski resorts, as well as with those who take care of opening the roads to the most isolated villages.

Keeping the road open means allowing access to tourists, who represent a vital resource for mountain areas. It also means providing supplies, ensuring the safety of many villages and allowing access for doctors or emergency services in the hamlets. Without these “snowplough artists”, life would no longer be possible in many of the small mountain villages.