French ski areas contribute approximately €40 million annually to local sports associations, helping young athletes develop their skills and keeping skiing accessible to mountain communities ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Domaines Skiables de France, the professional organization representing French ski area operators, is working to remind the world of the importance of grassroots skiing and the role resorts play in supporting athletes, families and local clubs. With the French Alps set to host the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the organization is emphasizing the decades of work that make competitive skiing possible.
Ski Resorts Support Local Clubs and Young Athletes
France has approximately 250 alpine ski resorts and 200 ski lift companies, employing 18,500 people in mountain communities. Together with local clubs, volunteers and national sporting federations, these ski areas provide the infrastructure needed for recreational skiing, youth development and competitive racing.
Support includes maintaining and grooming slopes, preparing competition venues, providing staff and equipment, and offering financial assistance and sponsorships. Domaines Skiables de France estimates that its members contribute around €40 million annually to sports associations across the country.
The organization says this investment helps children progress from their first ski lessons to local competitions and potentially national and international racing. The goal extends beyond producing elite athletes, with participation, confidence, teamwork and a lasting connection to the mountains also serving as priorities.
Making Skiing Accessible to More People
French ski areas are also working to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Partnerships with ski schools, clubs and organizations such as the French Handisport Federation help provide adapted equipment, specialized instruction and improved access to mountain facilities.
These efforts include accommodations for sit-skiing, stand-up skiing and visually impaired skiers. Resorts are also investing in staff training, dedicated access routes and adjustments to lift access to make the sport more inclusive.
From Ski Clubs to Mountain Careers
Grassroots skiing also helps introduce young people to careers in the mountain industry. Many ski area employees began skiing through local clubs before pursuing jobs in lift operations, ski patrol, snowmaking, grooming, maintenance and avalanche control.
With 18,500 employees working across approximately 20 professions, the ski area industry provides career opportunities for people who want to remain in their home communities.
The 2030 Winter Olympics Will Showcase Existing Slopes
The French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will feature alpine skiing and snowboarding events on slopes in Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre.
According to Domaines Skiables de France, the Games will reuse existing Alpine facilities rather than rely on extensive new construction. Many of the athletes competing in 2030 may have trained on these same mountains throughout their development.