Snow has fallen in France in recent days. The small mid-mountain resorts therefore have a smile. After a very complicated year 2023, these small resorts, cheaper and more family-friendly, can once again welcome people. The Chalmazel station, the only one in the Loire department, is full. There was almost no snow in 2023.
The estate even decided to open at the start of the Christmas holidays, a week earlier than planned. A huge sun illuminates a large carpet of snow. “Last year, there was less snow, we skied less. There, we take advantage of it, it's not cold. It's great, it feels good to get some fresh air, get some fresh air, get out of the office and decompress“, explains Julien, a father, at the microphone of RTL.
This nice start to the season seems like a breath of fresh air for all the professionals at this small resort. In 2023, everyone wondered if the time of small stations, like that of Chalmazel, was not over. In one of the resort's restaurants, Pauline smiles at the waiting queue before the lunch service opens. “It's nice to have people”.
And for the future?
“Last year, it was a long time. Yesterday, for example, we made 300 covers. It's good fatigue“, continues this professional. Same smile and same fatigue among the equipment rental companies. The latter are a little overwhelmed by the queues of several meters of skiers, impatient to collect equipment to slide down the slopes of Chalmazel.
The station belongs to the Loire Departmental Council. The mayor of the town, Valéry Gouttefarde, hopes to maintain the installations as long as possible. “Today, we only talk about global warming, but there is always snow, there is always cold, so I always believe in it. It’s really nice to have a very good year,” underlines the councilor.
The area wants to remain attractive. Chalmazel also focuses on its popular side, more financially affordable. “We are on a day package for an adult at 24 euros,” explains Séverine Girodet, the station director. A “cheap” price, according to her, “compared to the big resorts”. She assures us, the season is good, we must take advantage of it. But alternatives must be found in order to attract the public to the mid-mountains in years when the snow is more discreet.
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