France — If you’ve ever wanted to operate a small ski area that’s relatively near a huge metropolitan market, then grab a baguette and head to France.
The Connexion reports that La Loge des Gardes (known in English as the Guards’ Lodge) is for sale. While this is the closest ski area to Paris, it’s still 390 kilometers (around 242 miles) away from the ski resort. While France is home to many ski resorts, most are in the French Alps, which is a five-hour train ride from Paris. The closest city to the ski resort is Clermont Ferrand, which is around a one hour and fifteen minute drive.
Opened in 1959, the ski area has a summit elevation of 1,165 meters (3822 feet) and a base elevation of 1,050 meters (3445 feet). It features five trails and is serviced by three lifts. In terms of its size, this is more of a small, family-run bump that you would encounter in the Midwest U.S. compared to the behemoth ski resorts that exist in the Alps.
It should be noted that it didn’t operate this past winter because of a lack of snowfall. I do wonder about the viability of adding snowmaking to the ski area, as I believe that’s the only way these slopes have a future. Other small, low-elevation ski areas in Europe have been struggling, with some even closing for good. Snowmaking tends to be a more divisive topic across the pond though, as it sparks concerns over energy usage and water consumption.
The ski resort was last listed on the market in 2013 and was acquired by a group of local entrepreneurs in 2015, which included Philippe Chevrier and his wife. This ownership group has put lots of money into summer attractions to generate revenue in the offseason. Some of the activities include summer tubing, an aerial treetop park, and a zipline. According to Philippe Chevrier, who splits his time between Paris and the ski resort, one issue they deal with is staffing.
“It takes 12 to 15 people to run the resort. We can find students for the summer, that’s possible. For the winter, it’s more difficult,” said Chevrier to ici Pays d’Auvergne.
The listing price for the ski resort is currently unknown. Back when it was for sale in 2013, it was priced at €550,000 (approximately $611,493).
Image/Video Credits: La Loge des Gardes, Auvergne Tourisme
