The ski resort of Luchon-Superbagnères, in the Pyrenees, on February 7, 2020. - Romuald Meigneux / Sipa

  • Between lack of snow and too mild temperatures, many Pyrenean ski resorts suffer during this February vacation.
  • In Luchon-Superbagnères, two helicopters of natural snow must guarantee the activity of the ski schools.
  • In charge of managing the resort, the Haute-Garonne departmental council explains that it wants to support the local economy, while waiting for better, or rather colder, days.

Like many ski resorts in the Pyrenees, Luchon-Superbagnères suffers from a lack of snow during the February holidays, a traditional high point in activity. This Saturday, only six tracks out of 28 are open, as well as six ski lifts out of 13, on an area that stretches from 1,465 to 2,125 meters above sea level.

In charge of the management of the station since 2018, the Haute-Garonne departmental council (CD 31) has therefore decided to use great resources, as revealed by France 3 Occitanie: bringing snow by helicopter, Friday and Saturday.

"Guarantee 15 days of activity for ski schools"

“In order to make up for the lack of snow on the spaces especially dedicated to children and beginners and thus to be able to guarantee 15 days of activity for the ski schools of Superbagnères, the SMO [mixed open union] Haute Garonne Montagne decided to proceed to an exceptional helicopter ride of natural snow, confirmed the CD 31 at 20 Minutes . Natural snow is helicoptered from the top of the resort [Céciré sector] to the snowfield [Baby Renard]. "

Waiting for the cold to return

Cost of the operation, according to the public authorities: “5,000 euros approximately”. Inevitably, this kind of measure, hardly ecological, can make a little mess. But the CD 31 assumes: “This decision was taken in order to support local actors already strongly impacted by the climatic conditions. As soon as temperatures allow, the snow cannons will resume the production of artificial snow in this priority area for the smooth running of the ski area. "

Météo France announces maximum temperatures of 13 ° C this Saturday then 15 ° C Sunday at the bottom of the station. Then snow on Monday morning…

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