With the first snowfall of last week, skiing enthusiasts started to get excited. But the rise in temperatures over the past few days has called into question the opening dates for ski resorts in the Pyrenees. The most optimistic resorts, such as Font-Romeu and Les Angles, which had planned to open this weekend, are now forced to accept the reality of the lack of snow. The opening of the ski lifts and the slopes will have to wait for more favorable weather conditions.
Weather forces Pyrenees ski resorts to postpone their opening
Some resorts had planned to open their alpine ski slopes as early as this weekend, such as Font-Romeu and Les Angles. Many other Pyrenees ski resorts were planning to open within the next week, including Piau-Engaly, which planned to start its ski lifts on Wednesday, and La Pierre-Saint-Martin on Thursday. Many more resorts were planning to open next weekend, such as Cauterets, which is usually well-served by snow, Luz-Ardiden and Peyragudes on Friday. Gourette, the Grand Tourmalet and access to Pic du Midi on Saturday. The lack of snow has dashed the optimism of these resorts and will force them to revise their plans.
And the latest weather forecasts from Météo-France are not likely to reassure them. Mild weather will persist throughout the coming week, with temperatures remaining above freezing at the ski resorts, even at night. The following week is barely any better, with temperatures not dropping low enough and precipitation remaining uncertain. Therefore, there is little to expect from the weather before mid-December. After that, the snow will eventually arrive. Almost always.
Total uncertainty for the lower-altitude resorts. But not only them
The announcement by Alpe du Grand Serre in Isère broke a symbol: that of a mountain region where snow was guaranteed. The local councilors of this alpine resort announced its permanent closure, before postponing it for one season a few weeks later. This alpine resort joins the long list of winter sports resorts that will no longer open. Resorts in the Vosges and Massif Central have already closed permanently. In the Pyrenees, the Puyvalador resort has also closed. And it's not just a matter of altitude, as the Pyrenean resort of Puigmal also gave up, despite its 2,900 meters altitude at the top of the ski area.
More broadly, the average debt of ski resorts has reached a worrying level. For many, this debt prevents them from continuing to invest in measures to combat the lack of snow. The report submitted by the Court of Auditors, Mountain resorts in the face of climate change
is scathing on this subject.
Enjoy the resorts without skiing
Even if you don't ski, a ski resort offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy the mountains and the fresh air. Whether it's hiking on mountain trails, or snowshoeing if there is enough snow. Like in Cauterets, with the marked trail that leads from Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube, offering breathtaking views and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air! And if there's even a little snow, a whole range of winter activities awaits you. Especially in ski resorts located right at the foot of the slopes, where you can enjoy the classic activity of sledding with the family on specially designed, safe and easy runs. And for a touch of relaxation, why not visit Balnéa in Loudenvielle, located between Val Louron and Peyragudes?
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