An alternative to the chairlift?
A 24-year-old Belarusian driver was arrested on Monday while trying to take his van up the ski slopes of the La Thuile resort, on the Franco-Italian border, our colleagues from France 3 report. is justified by indicating that he wanted to avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel.
Around 5:30 p.m. this Monday, the man drove his Renault Master registered in Poland back onto the ski slope of the Espace San Bernardo, the Franco-Italian ski area which adjoins the Petit Saint-Bernard pass, in the valley. of Aosta.
The individual had already traveled nearly 500 m when he was spotted by trackers and stopped in his ascent.
Van loaded with fabrics
“He had stopped to put the chains on the wheels of his van and was driving calmly on the track towards France,” explained Corrado Garino, director of the station’s slopes, to our colleagues at Rai.
This alternative route had the advantage of saving toll fees for the Mont-Blanc tunnel, explained the driver, claiming to deliver fabrics to France.
Once removed from the ski slope, the vehicle registered in Poland was inspected by the police.
In accordance with the man's first statements to the carabinieri, the van was loaded with fabrics destined for France.
The young driver underwent a breathalyzer test which was negative.
However, he was sanctioned for violating two articles of regional regulations concerning the practice of skiing on the slopes.
He thus paid a fine of 200 euros and was asked to turn around to take the Mont-Blanc tunnel.