As the winter sports season approaches, seasoned skiers and amateurs alike are getting ready. But, two Alpine resorts located in Isère and Savoie have just made an irrevocable decision. Indeed, they are permanently closing their doors !
These closures are the result of a double burden on small mountain resorts. On the one hand, there are the
persistent economic difficulties. And, on the other, the scarcity of natural snow due to global warming. Challenges faced by many mid-mountain resorts. Especially since they are often dependent on public subsidies to ensure their operation.
No reception of skiers at Alpe du Grand Serre this winter
In Isère, Alpe du Grand Serre is a historic resort in the commune of La Morte, located at an altitude of 1,370 meters. It is permanently closing its doors after more than 80 years of activity. This resort had three chairlifts, several drag lifts and 50 km of slopes. It was the first to open to skiers in the department, in 1938. However, public subsidies constitute its only source of economic survival. Otherwise, it cannot continue to welcome skiers every season.
The decision was taken by the Isère community of communes of Matheysine. The latter voted stopping subsidies necessary for the operation of ski lifts. Out of 61 votes, 47 were in favor of ending the partnership with the Sata company, manager of the resort's ski lifts. This choice marks the end of an era for the region's residents and skiers. Everyone saw Alpe du Grand Serre as a nearby destination for accessible winter sports. But the station, too dependent on public aid, is not able to operate independently.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Tarentaise: a Savoyard resort without skiers in 2024-2025
In Savoy, another ski resortNotre-Dame-de-la-Tarentaise, suffered the same fate. This station is the smallest in the department. It will no longer welcome skiers from the 2024-2025 season and puts a definitive end to its winter activity. The mayor, Jocelyne Abondance Pourcel, talks about in Actu.fr repeated financial losses. For four years, they have amounted to around 20,000 euros each year. “ We realized that we had less and less snow, that it was becoming impossible
“, she explains. The mayor thus points out the insufficient snowfall, which is essential to the attractiveness of the resort.
Like Alpe du Grand Serre, Notre-Dame-de-la-Tarentaise depends on public funds. But also,good snow cover to ensure a minimum of profitability. However, the reality of global warming is leading to increasingly mild winters. And, less and less frequent precipitation. Which ended up precipitating its closure.
photo credit: Shutterstock Skiers will find doors closed in these two ski resorts in 2024-2025
The decline of skiers in micro-resorts in France
The closures of small ski resorts are not isolated cases. Since the 1970s, more than 180 ski areas have ceased their activities in France, according to geographer Pierre-Alexandre Metral, specialist in reconversion strategies and doctoral student at the University of Grenoble. These resorts are mainly family or communal. They are mainly located in mid-mountains, where snow conditions are increasingly precarious.
The closure of the Alpe du Grand Serre and Notre-Dame-de-la-Tarentaise resorts marks a turning point for mountain tourism. These decisions are symbols of an inevitable transformation. Small stations must rethink their future. And, adapt their offer to the climatic and economic upheavals. If skiing remains the star attraction of winter, more and more resorts are aware of their fragility. This is why they are considering diversifying to survive.
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