Benjamin Peter, edited by Yanis Darras 06:18, December 17, 2022
A World Cup and customers at the rendezvous: the season could not have started better for the ski resorts of Saint-Lary Soulan in the Pyrenees.
Only then, the relatively mild temperatures deprive part of the area of snow.
As for traders, we fear the rest of the season.
It is a rather rare phenomenon which is observed in the Pyrenees.
For the opening of this 2022-2023 season, many customers came to enjoy the slopes.
The only problem: the lack of snow.
In the resort of Saint-Lary Soulan in the Hautes-Pyrénées, only part of the area is open and the mild weather prevents the production of artificial snow.
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Cold temperatures to absent subscribers
"We have average snow conditions, let's say on the lower parts of the area. We don't have cold temperatures, so we have snow, but on the other hand, we can't produce it. more to consolidate the ski area", regrets Manu Bernia, in charge of the tourist office of Saint-Lary.
"To return to a normal situation, it would take two or three cold days," he said.
So, while waiting for the temperatures to drop, customers who have booked in droves this year in the resort can turn to dog sledding, ski touring or spa activities in the valley.
The World Cup to the rescue
“The start of the season is not as horrible as we might have feared. The 2022 World Cup helps us a little” recognizes Philippe, the manager of the station bar, “the Kinito”.
"From the quarters, it gave us a good boost," he continues at the microphone of Europe 1. "And I think that Sunday, we will have a lot of people," he concludes.
To attract tourists, Philippe will broadcast the match on three giant screens, which should ensure good attendance.
But what he fears is the rest, and especially the weekends in January.
Without snow, this will mean 40% less turnover for him in Saint-Lary.