France — Europe’s ski industry is struggling to adapt to climate change.
Warmer temperatures in France over the past decades have led to closed ski areas and receding glaciers. In response to these changes, France 24 put together a comprehensive video report regarding the future of small ski areas in France. It’s a must-watch for avid skiers and riders who want to learn more about the future of Europe’s ski industry.
The video report travels to four small ski areas to see how the warming climate has impacted them:
- Le Grand Puy recently closed for good and is becoming a ghost town. They interviewed the Mayor of Seyne, Le Grand Puy, who said they are auctioning off the remaining infrastructure on the mountain. One restaurant next to the mountain, Le Chalet, is still going strong and is holding various events to stay alive.
- L’Alpe Du Grand Serre made international headlines late last year after announcing it would close for good. However, locals started a fundraiser to save the ski resort for at least one more season. They’re trying to find investor, and create do more offseason activities, in an attempt to survive past this winter.
- Planolet Ski Lifts is being run by volunteers (New Tracks in Chartreuse). The upper mountain is now closed, with its lifts being left abandoned. An owner of a historic, family-run ski shop realistically thinks that her shop will eventually need to close.
- La Stass’ de Chartreuse is catering to a more extreme crowd. It appears that they have acquired the old airbag from Kissing Bridge in New York, which has given them something that can be used year-round. Other activities are also planned to attempt to keep this small ski area afloat.
Situations like these remind us here that we should cherish our days on the slopes, because we don’t know what lies ahead.
Image/Video Credits: France24, La Stass’ de Chartreuse
