10 September 2020

2020: An unpredictable year for mountain resorts

SPECIAL WINTER RESULTS

The 2019-2020 winter season in our Alpine resorts began with fluctuating snowfalls, but the few episodes throughout the winter made it possible to keep the snowpack comfortable. Our holidaymakers were able to appreciate a qualitative snow all season long.

In addition to the happiness of our tourists, the sun was very present which heralded an extremely promising season: 2019/2020 could have been the season of all records.

Unfortunately, these good results have to be weighed due to the brutal announcement of the COVID-19 epidemic. Following this, the implementation of general lockdown caused the early closure of the resorts on March 15.

The season, shortened by about a month, has not seen the end of season clientele enjoying the beautiful late winter snow and the amazing weather.

Thus, the health crisis had a very heavy impact on all French ski resorts. The majority of them observed significant losses in turnover, ie – 16% of attendance on average.

In this complicated global climate, the economic actors of the mountain resorts had a major fear for the following summer season. In fact, France was stuck into worrying economic uncertainty which could have had an undesirable effect on summer tourist frequentation.

A SURPRISINGLY EXCEPTIONAL SEASON THIS SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Despite the special conditions in the context of the pandemic, the Mountain atmosphere did well with the media coverage, promising for the summer large spaces and a big breath of fresh air with a multitude of activities for all. Despite last-minute bookings, summer attendance was exceptional and some mountain resorts even reached records.

After a long period of confinement followed by scorching temperatures, the altitude and the great outdoors were therefore very successful.

In August, the occupancy rate of mountain resorts stood at +3.8 points compared to last year on the same date, announced the National Association of Resort Mayors.

With the fear of border closures, the reduction international transport, the sanitary instructions and the economic difficulties that follow, it is obvious that French people have favored local tourism and national travel.

The mountains are therefore the winning summer destination: the fresh air and rising temperatures have convinced French holidaymakers to change their habits by going away from crowded seaside resorts and scorching weather.

It must be said that the mountains and their wide open spaces have something appealing : nights are almost always cool, the breathtaking views and a lot of summer activities to offer. The choice of a mountain destination is also judicious to escape the hot weather without giving up the benefits of the sun and vitamin D !

We usually tend to associate the mountains with winter vacations (skiing, snow and raclette, etc.), yet it is a completely suitable destination for summer stays.

A summer mountain getaway is an opportunity to enjoy the peace, to recharge your batteries and to awaken your five senses.

While the pandemic has had major economic repercussions, one of the other advantages of summer mountain vacations is being able to go away at affordable costs. Some activities are obviously to be paid, but remain much more reasonable than winter activities in general and the rates for accommodation in summer are more affordable than on the sea coast.

The average cost of a stay in the mountains in summer is thus estimated as half the price of that spent in a seaside resort, for the same number of people and number of days.

WINTER IS AT OUR DOORSTEP !

The 2020/2021 winter season is already here for us, and for you too by the way as the booking calendars are now open ! Get a head start by securing your accommodation in your favorite resort now before it’s too late!

Are you already thinking of snow-capped peaks and still dreaming of riding the slopes on skis or snowboards?

Have you just returned home from summer holidays and already looking forward to winter and snow vacations ?

Start planning your ski vacation for this winter, whether it’s Christmas, New Year, the start of the year or the end of the season. It is high time to book your next ski holiday in our ski resorts like Valloire, La Plagne, Les 2 Alpes … etc.

Who has never dreamed of spending the holiday season under the snow?

Now is the time to make it true, but beware these periods are more and more popular with holidaymakers.

You want to start the year on a good basis and especially on skis, then think about passing by our website and don’t forget to check availability in January, it’s one of the best time of the year to ski on fresh snow: the slopes are less saturated and the prices really attractive.

Spring is also an ideal period: the sun is shining, the snow is still very good and the terraces are ready to welcome you.

Our agency offers a nice selection of luxury chalets or apartments in its heart resorts:
La Plagne-Paradiski, Valloire-Galibier, Les Deux Alpes, l’Alpe d’Huez, La Rosière and Val d’Isère.

Whether or not there are many of you, we have the accommodation you need ! If you have questions about one of them or about a resort, our team knows perfectly all rentals and will be able to answer you on any details you would need.