Margaux Fodéré / Photo credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP 11:20 am, May 25, 2023, modified at 11:24 am, May 25, 2023

Despite the explosion in the cost of energy and sometimes the absence of snow, some ski areas have regained color. High-altitude resorts are the big winners of this season, such as Les Contamines Montjoie, where attendance at the area has exploded.

Ski resorts are back in colour! Despite inflation, some ski areas have managed to attract the French beyond their expectations. Between October 2022 and March 2023, for example, Compagnie des Alpes' turnover increased by 25%, thanks in particular to an increase in attendance. A breath of fresh air for these stations, which were able to partially offset the rise in energy costs.

Because faced with low snow cover in some resorts, the French rushed to areas at higher altitude, such as Les Contamines Montjoie in the Mont-Blanc massif. So much so that the resort had its best season ever, says François Barbier, the mayor of the city.

>> Find Europe Matin in replay and podcast here

Up to 12,000 skiers per day

"We had an exceptional season, because we benefited from snow that resisted the rain of December and because we benefited from a transfer of customers from the valley, especially from Saint-Gervais, Combloux, Megève. We arrive at 12,000 skiers days, on the biggest days" of the area of the season, he rejoices at the microphone of Europe 1.

In addition to this very good attendance, the resort has increased the price of packages by 8% on average, and implemented sobriety measures. Enough to absorb the soaring cost of energy. "The result of the previous year was positive, and that of this year will also be positive," concludes François Barbier.

"We resist"

In the Pyrenees, the Peyragudes estate has also managed to contain the consequences of the energy crisis. "We are progressing slightly by turnover. This is not enough to compensate for the additional energy cost which is of the order of 500,000 to 600,000 euros for this winter. But we resist," explains Laurent Garcia, general manager of the station. A slight improvement that is accentuated thanks to state aid, including the electricity shock absorber, which covered almost 35% of the station's energy bill.