Climate change and the global downturn, these dual apocalypse have passed by the French Alps, at the least for this Christmas. However it could have been so altogether different. Ahead of Xmas hamlets in the Superbagneres area were cut off when avalanches hammered down. Dual carriage way passes such as the crowded Col du Luz Ardiden were cut. At that place there was no mains or telephones, home owners had to be evacuated to temporary housing, it seemed like a repeat of 1996.

It seems that all news is good news. Verchaix appeared every night on national news bulletins. As soon as mains was restored reservations commenced to pour in, attracted by the fantastic snow.

Bessans and neighbouring Les Grands Montets claim just about 4 m snow depth on the higher slopes at 2100 metres alt. and 2 meters at the end of the resorts. At the moment the deepest in the Alps. Le Tour alleges that there is 4 meters at the the highest point of the resort. Alas avalanches have damaged a pylon of the ski lift that accesses the domain. They’ll be out of commission till the end of Feb.

In other places in the Southern Alps inquiries are up 15% in Val Thorens, Grand Massif and Savoie. Chatel has 99.7% occupancy and sold a record number of passes on Wednesday. This is great news for Ski France and other large skiing businesses.