The agitation of industry players and the support of elected officials have not borne fruit: beyond the arguments presented and daring actions (the appeal to the Council of State was rejected) undertaken just for political gain (how to do it while negotiating with the government?), ski resorts will open from this weekend but without ski lifts available to the general public.
“The Prime Minister indicated that opening might be possible from January 7th, provided that sanitary conditions allow it,” meaning “if the decline” of the epidemic “continues,” said Mr. Lemoyne following a video conference with several elected officials and mountain industry players. “This will be done in the context of implementing health protocols,” he specified, highlighting that the government was primarily concerned about “the excessive mingling of people coming from everywhere.”
The government unveiled new aid measures, bringing the total support for the sector to 400 million euros.
Thus, around 12,000 businesses “located in mountain areas” will be eligible for the reinforced solidarity fund, including food businesses and real estate rental agencies. Ski instructors, “the famous red sweaters,” “will also be eligible for the solidarity fund,” he stated.
The President of the Department, Charles-Ange Ginésy, who had been particularly active and involved in this matter, by joining the appeal to the Council of State promoted by the Regional Council of Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne, changed his tone in his statements: “facing the epidemic situation, I understand the government’s difficulties and I thank them for anticipating a possible opening for January 7th, provided that there is no deterioration in sanitary conditions, and congratulate them on the implementation of financial support measures for ski lifts, ski instructors, traders, hoteliers, and mountain restaurateurs.
Since the government wishes to implement non-mandatory weekly testing for seasonal workers and ski patrollers, the department will launch departmental centers for COVID-19 antigenic tests in mountain resorts. 50,000 antigen tests for personnel at the stations of the Alpes-Maritimes have already been ordered.
The first will open next Wednesday in Valberg.
