The ski resort of Luchon-Superbagnères, in the Pyrenees, on February 7, 2020, where snow is lacking. - ROMUALD MEIGNEUX / SIPA

  • Since the start of the winter sports season, the Pyrenees have had little snow, to the point that some resorts have had to close.
  • In Luchon-Superbagnères, to maintain a certain activity, a snow delivery operation by helicopter was organized on Saturday.
  • The Minister of Ecological Transition has stepped up to the plate to indicate that this kind of operation was not "a possible route".

"Bring snow by truck or helicopter to the stations to continue pretending nothing has happened?" We walk on the head ! It is time to change models, "tweeted Emmanuelle Wargon on Saturday. The secretary of state reacted to the snow delivery operation operated by helicopter on Saturday in the ski resort of Luchon-Superbagnères, in Haute-Garonne.

A first in the Pyrenees facing very low snowfall this year when the February holidays started more than a week ago. "Snowing ski resorts by helicopter is not a possible route," added Sunday Elisabeth Borne, the Minister of Ecological Transition, after the decision of the Haute-Garonne to dump snow by helicopter on the resort of Luchon -Superbagnères.

A meeting later this week

"We will bring together with Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne the actors concerned in the coming days," she said in a tweet.

Snow plating #ski stations by # helicopter is not an option. We will bring together with @JBLemoyne the players concerned in the coming days. https://t.co/V1uobKhy8n

- Elisabeth BORNE (@Elisabeth_Borne) February 16, 2020

A meeting which aims to stop this kind of polluting operation and very criticized while the consequences of global warming are more and more visible, including on the Pyrenean chain. It will also consist of finding solutions for local elected officials and station managers, an adviser to the minister told AFP.

This decision to deliver helicopter snow was made by the Haute-Garonne departmental council, station manager. On Saturday, for two and a half hours, the helicopter transported some 50 tonnes of snow at an estimated cost of 5,000 to 6,000 euros.

But "in terms of return on investment, it must multiply at least by 10", had justified the joint union overseeing this station which indicates that between 50 and 80 people will be able to work thanks to this operation: the station staff, but also instructors, equipment rental companies, restaurateurs.

Planet

Pyrenees: Ski resorts lacking snow must renew themselves with global warming

Planet

Pyrenees: "No more snow", a ski resort forced to close

  • Helicopter
  • Pyrenees
  • Snow
  • Global warming
  • Ski
  • Ski station
  • Toulouse