Europe — As an American, comprehending the European ski industry is quite the undertaking.
A seemingly endless number of ski resorts, combined with modern lifts and a lively après-ski scene, make it the envy of many in the ski industry. However, there are challenges. Glaciers are melting rapidly, impacting operations at major ski resorts. Lower-elevation ski resorts in Europe are feeling the effects of climate change, with a string of resorts closing for good.
Why are these closures happening more often there than in North America? The ability to make upgrades is limited, as snowmaking enhancements are a more divisive issue than in North America. Over the past month, we’ve seen two ski resorts in Europe announce their permanent closure. The two closures in France and Switzerland will not result in permanent closures of the mountain. Rather, the resorts are now focused on summer operations.
Sportbahnen Braunwald
In Switzerland, a ski resort is getting rid of skiing and riding, but will try to continue year-round operations. Swiss Info reported last month that Sportbahnen Braunwald, Visit Glarnerland, and other local agencies announced there will be no downhill skiing operations for the 2026-27 season. While a fundraiser aimed to raise money to keep it open next winter, it appears to have been unsuccessful. The plan is to create a new operational vision that will enable activities that don’t rely on significant snowfall.
Local businesses intend to stay open, but are worried about the future. 20 Minuten interviewed a few hotels and a local bar. They will stay open but expect diminished traffic next winter.
Other new activities are planned, such as a zipline. With summer operations continuing, it seems likely that Braunwald will survive, just without skiing and riding.
Lac Blanc
Last week, Lac Blanc in the Vosges mountains of France announced that it would also close its skiing and riding operations. According to France 3, the Vosges region has reportedly seen snowfall drop by 50% over the past three decades. Ironically, they received a major grant to upgrade their snowmaking system last year. This project will not move forward now.
“Having examined the management arrangements for activities starting in the 2026/2027 season, it also noted that the conditions necessary for direct operation were not met. The joint committee acknowledges the effects of climate change on the site. The decrease in natural snowfall, the reduction in days with usable snow cover, and the increasing uncertainty of winters are weakening the historical model based on alpine skiing,” stated the press release.
However, not everyone is on board with that decision. The operator of the ski resort believes the skiing and riding operations can remain viable until at least 2050.
While some are bummed, one person thought the ski resort sucked. One humorous comment that’s too funny not to share came from a hiker who apparently had lots of gripes about the skiing experience there.
“I didn’t think it would close so soon. I’m a skier, and I rarely come to the Vosges because the ski area is small. You quickly run out of things to do. There’s not much snow, and when there is, it’s so crowded, it’s not fun.”
Like Braunwald, operations will continue with a focus on summer attractions. The area remains active, mostly thanks to its bike park. The ski resort generates 50% of its revenue during the off-season.
There’s always the chance of revival. Alpe du Grand Serre in France has flirted with closure over the past few years but has survived (for now). We’ll see which European ski resorts are next to close or adjust their operational strategies.
Image/Video Credits: Swiss Ropeway Channel, Sportbahnen Braunwald, France 3 Grand Est, Lac Blanc
