As Luz-Ardiden celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend, Gérard Stocker and Guy Sally, instructors at the ESF for decades, go back to the first traces and recount the evolution of the resort, while charting its future.
Gentlemen, tell us about the beginnings of Luz-Ardiden…
Gérard Stocker: “At the beginning, there was only Béderet, thanks to the vision of the founders Doctor Foyer and Claude Massoure. In Bederet, the terrain was easier, as there were no mobile machines of today. There were only two ski lifts, but already crowded compared to the size of the area. The year it opened, I remember there was no snow or very little. very hard because there was no snow gun or cannon Then we favored the Aulian sector and its potential at the Piet valley, which is avalanche-prone, to develop the resort. Technological advances made it possible to install chairlifts on the slopes. hitherto inaccessible sectors.”
Guy Sally : “I arrived at the station when the Aulian sector had just been completed. The sector was further north and with more varied slopes. 50 years ago, we saw that there was the potential to make a beautiful station. There was a lot of enthusiasm at that time. The road allowed families to go up there with snacks. People didn’t expect as much. services than today. Going skiing was a privilege for these families who had a great time.”
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How has the station evolved?
Gérard S : “There have always been people. With the explosion of skiing from the 80s to the beginning of the 2000s, we had very, very good years. Today people are tightening their belts a little. However, we see it today, the conditions are the dream!”
Guy S : “Over time, there have been new developments to meet customer requirements, in conjunction with ski professionals. This has provided a bonus. In terms of the evolution of practices, Luz is a model. The terrain is very pleasant for everyone. You can do all the skiing you want here. When the conditions are good, in the valleys, you can quickly feel like you are in Canada. well-prepared and groomed slopes.”
Don’t you get tired?
Gérad S : “I always have the same pang in my heart at the end of winter when the resort closes, despite the fatigue of the four months of the season. Even then, after 2-3 days, I miss it. She has all that station, with an enormous character, without buildings. We arrive and it’s nature.”
Guy S : “How can you get tired when you see the fantastic conditions currently. You can do everything here.”*
How do you see the future of Luz-Ardiden?
Gérard S : “Today, there is global warming. We cannot deny it. We must be aware of it but stop being afraid. We have technological developments, signs which show that there is a future for at least 30 years, or two generations. Skiing will not be dead tomorrow morning, especially since the resort has an important role in retaining water for example, many generations have passed here and there are many. more to come.”
Guy S : “The terrain can still evolve to bring customers from the valley, via a connection. It requires a restructuring of the snow front, but it would bring another vision, another scale to the resort to be connected to the village. the challenge of tomorrow. The potential is there. The crux of the matter is financing, but this cable car would allow us to raise our level by aerating the area but also by committing it to four-season tourism.
