Snowfall strands 13,000 in Swiss Alps

ZERMATT, Switzerland - Heavy snowfall has cut off many villages and resorts across the Alps, trapping about 13,000 tourists at Zermatt, one of Switzerland's most popular ski areas, officials said on Tuesday.

Helicopters spent two hours airlifting some of those stranded to nearby villages, while others remained stuck in the resort for a second day running after snow blocked road and rail links.

In the Pyrenees, a skier was killed and another injured after avalanches in Aragnouet on the slopes of Pique Poque mountain, according to local police.