World Ski Championships: the weather affects the slopes in Courchevel, but "nothing catastrophic"

Europe 1 with AFP 7:58 p.m., January 4, 2023, modified at 8:04 p.m., January 4, 2023

Only a few weeks left before the start of the Alpine Skiing World Championships in Courchevel and Méribel (from February 6 to 19).

But the lack of snow in the resorts and the relatively high temperatures at this time of year are worrying.

The organizers still gave reassuring news.

"The weather had an impact. We are a little late but nothing catastrophic," explained Yannick Favières, track manager in Méribel, host of the women's races.

"After the big cold snap in December, we had produced 50% of the snow. We had about 70 cm of snow on the whole track, we lost almost 30 centimeters", he detailed, due to high temperatures that have hampered French ski resorts for several weeks.

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The Blues present in recent days

The Roc de Fer track (from 2,140 to 1,432 m above sea level) is still open to resort customers and professionals, in particular the French women's team which has been training there in recent days.

"We miss almost a week of production to be well and have the necessary volume of snow", adds Mr. Favières.

The snow, mostly artificial, is produced by cannons when the temperatures are negative.

Production can increase when the cold is more intense.

"There is still work to be done at the summit and on the specific arrangements for the competitions, namely the ground movements and the different starting platforms", added the manager, who is counting on the snowfall announced at the start of the week. next.

In Courchevel, host of the men's races, "we lack snow on the last part, the last 500 meters", specified Sébastien Santon, manager of the new Eclipse track (from 2,234 to 1,300 m above sea level), already "skiable".

"This rain and these temperatures are unheard of. We still need three cold nights."