First-Class Winter Snowfalls in the French Alps
Climate change and the financial crisis, these dual apocalypse have passed by the French Alps, at least for now. However it may have been so entirely contrary. In the weeks before Christmas towns in the Brevent region were isolated when snow storms rained down. Road routes such as the busy Col du Val-d Isere were closed. There was no electricity or telephone lines, residents were moved out to temporary accommodation, it seemed as if it were a double of 1998.
It looks that all promotion is good promotion. Bessans featured every night on national French news. As soon as mains was fixed inquiries began to come in, attracted by the good conditions.
Plateau de Beille and neighbouring Verchaix lay claim to virtually 4.5 m snow on the higher slopes at 2000 m altitude and 2.1 meters at the base of the resorts. Currently the deepest in the French Alps. Serre Chevalier claims there is six meters at the top of the resort. Regrettably a snow storm has demolished a pylon of the drag lift which accesses the sector. It will be out of commission till the middle of March.
In other places in the S. Alps reservations are up 15% in Portes du Soleil, Megeve and La Chavanette. La Plagne, not too far from Geneva airport, has 99.1% occupancy and traded a record breaking number of passes on Wednesday. This is welcoming for main ski businesses.
