Ski resorts in France had been hoping the government would give the green light to reopen lifts and cable cars on February 1st but with rising Covid-19 infections, the tourism minister announced on Wednesday they would remain closed.
Jean Baptiste Lemoyne warned that it was “unlikely” ski lifts would open at any point in February and said the whole winter sports season could be a write-off.
Speaking after a defence council meeting that brought together top ministers and President Emmanuel Macron, Lemoyne said: “A reopening in the middle or end of February is highly unlikely. We are looking at a complete write-off for the season (saison blanche).”
AFP
Unlike neighbouring Switzerland, France has kept its ski resorts closed since the end of lockdown in early December.
While the government has allowed travel to the mountains and allowed ski resorts to accept holidaymakers, ski lifts and all other infrastructure had to keep shut, ruling out most winter sports. Bars and restaurants in resorts are closed as they are across the country.
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