Whiteout for the skiing industry?
The French government’s order to close ski lifts during the pandemic angered resort operators but, amid global warming, the public is already turning to less costly and more sustainable activities. by Philippe Descamps
Jarry Tripelon · Gamma-Rapho · Getty
It was a cold, sunny day in late January, and the slopes of La Plagne in the French Alps were covered by 40cm of powder. Two women (a pensioner and a furloughed ski instructor) who live below the resort, in Aime, told me they came ski mountaineering every day. La Plagne is part of Paradiski, the world’s second largest linked ski area, but the ski-lifts, which began operating in 1961, were closed and the slopes were empty. ‘It’s bad for some, but great for us,’ they said. ‘The slopes are gentle here, and we’re reclaiming them!’