After difficult years for the town of Laguiole, the Association for the Promotion of the Laguiole Ski Resort is the new operator of the ski slopes. Everything is ready to welcome winter sports enthusiasts, hoping that the snow will soon be there.
“As soon as we have snow, we will be able to open the Laguiole ski resort,” smiles Vincent Alazard, the mayor of Laguiole and president of the mixed union of Aubrac Aveyron resorts. At an altitude of 1,407 meters, the 15 alpine ski slopes, the ten ski lifts, the four cross-country ski trails, the snowshoe trails and the toboggan run are ready to welcome Aveyron residents. On December 23, 2024, the union council approved the operating contract for the Laguiole ski resort for this winter.
While last winter the opening of the resort resulted in a deficit of 200,000 euros, it is the Association for the Promotion of the Laguiole Ski Resort which is taking up the torch. “Some people didn’t understand but we couldn’t continue like that,” laments the mayor. “We made the choice not to close the station and to take up the challenge. There has always been the desire to keep it going.” With economic benefits of 1.5 million euros, the ski slopes are a boon for the village. They make it possible to maintain economic activity throughout the year, even during the off-peak period. “Also, many Aveyron residents learned to ski in Laguiole. Without these local resorts, there are many people who would not be able to ski,” recalls Mathurin Chauffour, one of the two co-presidents of the association.
Aveyron Press Center – Alexia Ott
A partnership that is only just beginning
The members of the association did not hesitate to bring it back to life during the municipality's call for tenders in May. About twenty years ago, the association operated the station for two seasons, for the same reasons. “This new year is a test. The idea is that next winter, we will be a public service delegation, that there will be sponsorships, to operate with other financial contributions,” Mathurin Chauffour plans. This winter, sixty trained volunteers will be at work. “Volunteering is great. It saves jobs. Also, we would like to further develop partnerships with other stations. We need equipment,” he continues. A challenge that does not frighten the Aveyronnais. “We are taking the risk of the deficit.” To support its partner, the municipality of Laguiole will invest 60,000 euros for the operating costs of the station.
Between ski school, sledding and sled dogs, winter promises to be full of activities. At the dawn of the new year, the association and the municipality already have great plans for the coming summer. Sled dog on wheels, laser game, electric mountain bike, nature outing, karting on track, electric scooter… “It's a pivotal year, we're switching to another operating system”, concludes the mayor of Laguiole.
