Scores of skiers were stranded for hours at the Chamrousse ski resort in south-eastern France on Sunday after a cable railway broke down, authorities said.
Two helicopters worked quickly to free the skiers and snowboarders from each gondola and the rescue operation was able to wrap up by nightfall.
What we know:
Between 100 and 150 people were stuck in 70 gondola cars
Rescuers dropped into each car's roof hatch to release the skiers, secure them with ropes and lower them to safety
Some of those rescued had been dangling in the cars for up to two hours
No reports of injuries
It is still unclear what caused the system to malfunction
'In time for Christmas Eve'
Local tourist office head Franck Lecoutre said: "They will all be home in time for Christmas Eve."
Praising the fast work of the rescuers, France's national police wrote on Twitter that "a hundred skiers stuck in gondolas will finally have a Merry Christmas" and will be able to open their presents after all.
Local media and witnesses also posted images of the rescue operation on Twitter:
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