Swiss ski operators are looking nervously at resorts in France and Germany as some lower-level resorts are shutting down for good – blaming climate change.
The latest one, the Alpe du Grand Serre, is 150 km south of Geneva.
The lifts start at 1,400 metres and up to 2,000. Reports say the equipment is in good condition and didn’t need renovation.
But it’s closed for good – and it’s due to a lack of snow.
The decision was made at short notice and local business owners have been surprised. One ski rental shop has just spent thousands on new equipment.
But the fact is that sales are down 60%.
Another area in the Jura close to the Vaud border, the Métabief resort is closing a third of its slopes for the same reason.
Earlier this week the head of Flims-Laax region in Graubünden says he expects the prices for higher resorts to triple as demand will soar. That will make skiing financially impossible for many sports fans.
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