Two Major French Ski Resorts Permanently Closing Due to Lack of Snow

paris - French ski resorts, Seyne-les-Alpes and Alpe du Grand Serre, are shutting down due to snow shortages, impacting local communities and economies.

Residents of Seyne-les-Alpes (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) have voted to end ski activities in the Grand Puy ski area managed by the local government. The 24-kilometer ski area, situated between 1,370 and 1,800 meters, has been struggling with snow scarcity for years, leading to a decrease in visitors and substantial annual losses. Following a referendum, the residents have agreed to close the ski lifts by November 1, sell all equipment, and diversify activities. Mayor Laurent Pascal plans to offer visitors environmentally friendly sports and nature activities, such as transforming a reservoir into a fishing lake and creating a trail course. Local input will be considered for future projects.

Similarly, after 85 years of winter sports tourism, Alpe du Grand Serre is closing down, becoming the first large-scale ski resort in the northern Alps to do so. The Matheysine municipality decided not to renew the management contract with Sata, the company operating the ski lifts, on October 4. The area, located at 1,368 meters in Isère, has been financially struggling despite the municipality investing €2.8 million since 2017 for its support.

The abrupt closures have significant impacts on the locals. Business owners like Laurenne Vincent and Frédérique Laurence express shock and disappointment. The closures jeopardize 200 direct and indirect jobs, affecting families and businesses in the region, including ski instructors who operate year-round to prepare for the brief winter season. They fear losing not just a seasonal activity, but a way of life. The future remains uncertain, with uncertainties surrounding financial support and alternative income sources.

Geographer Pierre-Alexandre Métral underscores that the closure trend of ski resorts in France due to climate change consequences, particularly snow scarcity, is likely to continue. Skiing in the lower Alps may soon depend solely on artificial snow, requiring substantial water resources. However, objections on environmental grounds hinder such developments, as seen in La Clusaz's legal issues surrounding a water reservoir project.

To survive, French mountain villages must diversify their offerings beyond the traditional winter sports season. Initiatives like four-season activities at Alpe du Grand Serre have faced challenges in implementation and funding. Local officials acknowledge the need for transition projects but express concerns about financial constraints and long-term sustainability. Calls for state and industry support echo among community leaders, highlighting the urgency to secure the future of French ski industry.