Swore. Is this small ski resort experiencing its last winter season?

See my news
Follow Voices of Jura

To the Gentianes stationin the town of Morbier in the Upper JuraTHE snowfall from the beginning of the week were welcomed as a miracle. After two disastrous winters marked with a lack of snow and temperatures too high to make artificial snow, just after the Covid periodthe small station of Gentianes in Morbier was on the edge of the abyss. Entangled in a very complicated financial situation, it is preparing to close 2024 on a 80% drop in turnover.

Despite the prospects not very encouraging in terms of climate, since these conditions are the consequence of global warming overall, the mayor of Morbier, Philippe Huguenet, however estimated that “it was not not the time to condemn the station Gentians.”

The municipality, which does not have tourism skills, has opted for a concrete way of helping the resort to be able to continue its activity, by buying back the seventeen snow cannons from the Gentianes station, for make available of its managers.

“This has the advantage of producing a double effect: both restart activityet offer guarantees towards the banks,” explains the mayor of Morbier.

A family resort

“It’s important that the Gentianes station is an emblematic, family resort. It is the first resort that tourists find when going up to Haut-Jura and it is ideal for learning alpine skiing and allows you to complete snow activities alongside cross-country skiing.

THE cross-country skiing enthusiasts will not be left out: a hangar for the snow groomer has just been built near the glacier site, a true paradise for cross-country skiers.

Cet winter 2024-2025 will be essential for survival of the station Gentians. The snowfall finally allowed a opening of the slopes on December 14 and the bitter cold should allow snow cannons to operate and cope with the possible absence of further snowfall. Current conditions leave room for hope for a good season.

“The track is magnificent,” enthuses Philippe Huguenet. The torchlight descent which takes place every Thursday evening of the holidays will only further enhance this magical setting of a winter under the snow, a true miracle of this Christmas 2024.

René Delobelle (CLP)

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.