Despite inflation concerns, the French continued to rush to the mountains. A satisfaction for the actors of the sector.
Inflation, strikes and above all lack of snow, the context did not necessarily invite mountain players to be optimistic for the Christmas holidays. At the time of the balance sheet, the smile is however there. Between December 17 and January 6, the occupancy rate reached 70%. A number “higher than that of the 2021-22 season over the same period“, rejoices Jean-Luc Boch, president of the National Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts (ANMSM). More than respectable, this rate demonstrates the adaptability of these municipalities which, in addition to skiing, offer a variety of activities such as hiking or balneotherapy.
The ANMSM was however optimistic in its mid-December forecasts, counting on a filling rate of 62%, one point less than last year, but with strong disparities. Thus the Alps saw reservation rates drop to 65% in the northern resorts and 45% in the southern ones. Conversely, the Pyrenees drew their card from the game with rising occupancy rates.
Read alsoClimate change, “ski bashing”: concern is mounting among mountain players
In other good news for resort-based professionals, snow is expected to return this weekend at medium and high altitudes. More generally, the whole country should gradually move towards more “ normal “.
Global warming obliges, a reflection on the future of the economic model seems inevitable for many areas, especially those at medium altitude. “Everyone is aware of the impact of climate change. We have to move on to something else.” thus testified Christine Massoure, general manager of the Compagnie des Pyrénées, in our columns, a few days ago.
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