French Ski Resorts Can Open in December But Lifts to Remain Shut

26th November 2020

Last modified on May 13th, 2021

The Prime Minister, Jean Castex, has made an announcement that slightly waters down what President Macron said on Tuesday. Resorts say it is not enough. UPDATED

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The Prime Minister made his announcement on Wednesday.

He said that it would be possible to go to the ski resorts to enjoy the fresh air but the ski lifts and collective equipment will be closed to the public.

“For the winter resorts, we estimated that the epidemic situation and that of hospital patients for the regions concerned does not allow us to consider opening for the Christmas period,” said Jean Castex.

“It would not be prudent to mix a large flow of population, but it will be possible to go to these resorts to enjoy the pure air of our beautiful mountains.

“The shops will be open there. Simply all ski lifts will be closed.

“Finally, even if it will be authorised for Christmas and New Year holidays, it will be imperative to limit the number of guests at these end-of-year celebrations.”

It will go a small way to helping the resorts, but many people will not go to a ski resort if they can’t go skiing.

One resort, La Clusaz has reacted swiftly and angrily.

“We are not an amusement park. La Clusaz is a mountain village that lives all year round and not just a ski station opening or closing on request, like a shopping center”.

Other resorts were already planning on opening without skiing on offer anyway.

“Morzine is working hard to welcome you in the best possible conditions this winter,” said the resort in the Portes du Soleil.

“We currently await confirmation on the date we can open the lifts for skiing.

“However, Morzine has lots of offer as well as lift assisted skiing.

“Plenty of activities in the fresh open air are available, a wide range of boutiques, and our restaurants have already adapted to offer takeaway meals.

“We will have more information for you in a few days’ time, and thank you for your patience, and above all your support.”

It does though remain to be seen if people will travel to ski resorts when skiing is off the menu and it is takeaways only in the restaurants.

France will allow people to go cross-country skiing individually from Saturday, as long as it doesn’t prompt big gatherings of people.

Ski lifts have been shut for lift-assisted downhill skiing, but cross-country skiing will be permitted.

It is unclear if thus includes allowing ski touring and skinning up hill, but it is assumed so.