The ski resort lifts will remain closed in February, announced Matignon on Monday after a meeting between Prime Minister Jean Castex and mountain stakeholders. No reopening date was provided.
“The evolution of the health situation does not allow us at this stage to reopen the ski lifts,” explained Jean Castex’s entourage, noting that there is “no trend towards general reopening” in other European countries.
Charles-Angé Ginésy, president of the departmental council and elected official of an alpine commune, promptly reacted to this information which, moreover, was largely expected.
“Between March 15, 2020, and December 2021, they will have spent more than 20 months without any revenue! […] We are now awaiting the directives and procedures so that ski areas can effectively submit their compensation requests in order to cover their fixed costs and personnel expenses.”
The blow is harsh for the mountain sector, but we must look ahead. Charles-Ange Ginésy is committed to the future: “The State must initiate a rescue plan for all businesses that work for the mountain: hoteliers, restaurateurs, equipment providers, suppliers, merchants, ski clubs… The domino effect of the ski lift closure is colossal. The urgency is measured in weeks. The announced €400 million will not be enough to compensate for the €12 billion lost.
The economic and social consequences are and will be dizzying for an entire sector of our economy. It took us 60 years to build a strong economic and tourist model. France is now the second most popular mountain destination in the world. We must not lose this attractiveness.”
