This is the question that the municipal majority in Annecy wants to ask.
She is asking the Greater Annecy conurbation to organize a “Semnoz summit” this year.
Bring everyone around the table
The objective of this proposal: to bring residents, ski and tourism professionals, mountain pastures and elected officials around the same table.
The future of skiing in question
The question of the future of alpine skiing would obviously be at the heart of the debate, but the First Deputy to the city of Annecy Alexandre Mulatier-Gachet, who is carrying this proposal, does not want a simple opposition between pro and antis. He wants to open the debate.
The complete Tribune signed by Samuel Dixneuf, President of the Réveillons Annecy Group (delegated community advisor for Greater Annecy) and Alexandre Mulatier-Gachet (First Deputy of the City of Annecy and community advisor):
To avoid experiencing the catastrophic consequences of a sudden stop
The Semnoz, an emblematic mountain of the Annecy Basin and the Bauges, is a real treasure for the inhabitants. A place of memories, leisure, contemplation and communion with nature. This deep attachment is passed down from generation to generation, shaping local identity and culture. For many Annecy residents, Semnoz is the setting for unforgettable memories: Family tobogganing outings, first ski descents, or even summer picnics are all precious moments engraved in our memories.
It is because we are so deeply attached to it that we hope at all costs that Semnoz does not experience the same fate as several other mid-mountain resorts which have closed their doors, often with losses and uproar, in recent years. The examples are unfortunately numerous. Near here, the Sambuy, closed suddenly by decision of the Municipal Council of Faverges in 2023. We understand the sadness and anger of the residents and traders who, attached to their station, were suddenly deprived of it. Alpe du Grand Serre suffered the same fate. After a first vote where the elected officials of the commune of La Morte, in Isère, decided to close the station, support flocked to postpone the deadline and grant a year’s reprieve: “It’s a relief, we avoid the disaster but the deadline is very short” reacted the President of the support association, La Morte Vivante. MP Marie Noëlle Battistel then pleaded the need for: “a plan for the medium mountains. We have to get out of dependence on snow.” This fall, it was also the Grand Puy resort in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence which, following a referendum, closed its doors.
Artificial support yes, but until when?
The reckless investments made by previous mandates and the less and less snow present forcing the ski lifts to remain at a standstill, have put the finances of the Semnoz resort in the red. The deficits are now structural, the balancing subsidy from the main budget of the Greater Annecy conurbation to the resort increases from year to year: 643,000 euros in 2021, 855,000 euros in 2022, 1,291,000 euros in 2023. How much in 2024?
Another argument, if one were needed: it is now the State which is raising the alarm. Seized by the prefect of Haute-Savoie last May, the Regional Chamber of Auditors rendered its verdict concerning the situation of the Chapelle d’Abondance: “given the structural nature of the deficit of this budget, this subsidy had to be considered as disingenuous . It appears in fact contrary to the principle of balance of industrial and commercial public services established by article L.2224-1 of the CGCT, these services having to be financed, with some exceptions, by users and not by the taxpayer. “. This decision sounds like a chopping block: the price of adult packages would have to be increased drastically to achieve balance. Unthinkable.
This is especially true since the opening days are reduced from winter to winter. Here too, the trajectory is structural. 111 days in 2020-21, 113 in 21-22, 61 in 22-23… How many in 2024? If some climate skeptics still persist in believing that we are dealing with “exceptional years”, implying that we will return to the normal winters of the 20th century, this is not the case. Scientific facts and climate predictions are stubborn. Since the 1970s, records show that “the snow cover of the Alps is decreasing overall by 5.6% per decade and the thickness of the snow cover by more than 8.4%. » .
In an unprecedented report published last March, entitled “Ski resorts facing climate change”, the very serious Court of Auditors, warns: “Climate projections show a medium-term increase” in warming in the mountains, underlines in particular the Court of Auditors. “All ski resorts will be more or less affected by 2050” and only “a few resorts could hope to continue operating beyond this deadline”.
A “Semnoz Summit” to think about the future of our mountain, together, with hope and optimism. What do we want for Semnoz tomorrow?
Faced with these environmental and economic challenges, it is crucial to rethink the future of our mountains. This is why we are proposing the organization of a “Semnoz Summit”, an event dedicated to collective reflection and planning for the future of Semnoz, in order to preserve, enhance and perpetuate this natural jewel. This Summit, which we wish to be as inclusive as possible, must bring together all stakeholders: residents, traders, mountain pastures, restaurateurs, representatives of the various sports federations (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, athletics, hunting, etc.), environmental associations, professionals forestry, outdoor sector, researchers…
Integrate ecological issues:
Climate change is a reality that affects our mountains even more strongly because warming there is faster than elsewhere. The reduction in natural snow cover and the increase in temperatures are making it increasingly difficult to operate low- and mid-altitude ski resorts. Semnoz is no exception to this trend. Continuing to invest in ski infrastructure becomes not only economically absurd, but also ecologically irresponsible. A dedicated “Summit” would make it possible to discuss other possible paths.
Integrate social, cultural and democratic issues:
Semnoz is a place of nature, leisure, sharing, breeding, culture. It is essential to preserve its appearance while adapting the uses of the mountain to current realities. The “Summit” should involve residents in thinking about the future of their mountain, by collecting their ideas and integrating them into future projects. Participatory workshops, conferences and public debates could be organized to encourage real citizen consultation.
Integrate Economic and Agricultural Issues:
Winter tourism is a strong economic asset, but a strong dependence on it is dangerous. Diversifying tourism activities is a necessity to ensure long-term economic stability. The “Semnoz Summit” could be an opportunity to bring together experts, entrepreneurs and local representatives to explore innovative and sustainable economic models.
Integrate biodiversity issues:
The Semnoz mountain is home to a rich and varied biodiversity, which deserves to be protected. The “Summit” could include sessions dedicated to the conservation of fauna and flora, with the participation of scientists and environmental associations. The bark beetle crisis is wreaking havoc and forcing the ONF to cut down several dozen hectares of trees. Ultimately, the entire Semnoz forest will be affected. There is an urgent need to invest massively in human and financial resources to protect our forest. Together, we could develop strategies to preserve and restore natural habitats. The forestry issue is significant.
A proactive approach that follows other pioneering approaches
Metabief had shown the way by initiating a reflection on its future in 2016. Closer to us, the States General of the transition of mountain tourism had made it possible to create bridges between actors and territories to initiate a real network dynamic. This “Summit” to which we aspire is a unique opportunity to rethink the future of our mountains, taking into account environmental, economic, social and cultural issues. By planning its future, we would be the guarantors of a successful transition: co-built with residents, controlling economic impacts and integrating ecological, social-cultural and biodiversity issues.
