Hundreds of French ski resorts close as snow declines, reshaping the Alps' landscape

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago
5 views
Since 2018, 186 French ski resorts have closed due to unreliable snow, leading to environmental and community impacts in the Alps.
Hundreds of French ski resorts close as snow declines, reshaping the Alps' landscape
A What happened
French ski resorts, including Céüze 2000, have closed permanently due to shorter and unreliable snow seasons caused by global warming. A total of 186 resorts have shut, with many abandoned structures contaminating protected mountain areas. This shift is leading to ecological recovery in some places while raising questions about managing these 'ghost resorts' and their environmental legacies. The closures signify a major transformation in the Alps, affecting tourism, local economies, and mountain ecosystems.

Key insights

  • 1

    Environmental impact of abandoned ski resorts: Leftover ski infrastructure is contaminating soils and altering plant species in protected mountain areas.

  • 2

    Ecological recovery potential: Some abandoned resorts show early signs of nature reclaiming the land, including return of native plants and wildlife.

Takeaways

The closure of numerous ski resorts marks a notable shift in alpine landscapes, requiring balanced approaches to preserve mountain ecosystems while addressing the heritage and economic roles of these areas.

Topics

Culture & Society Society Climate & Environment Climate Change Conservation

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