Climate change and the financial crisis, these dual perils have let off the Southern Alps, at the least for Christmas. But it may have been so entirely contrary. Prior to the holidays hamlets in the Les Deux Alpes locale were cut off as snow hammered down. Dual carriage way passes such as the important Col du Chamonix were shut. At that place there was no power or telephones, residents had to be moved out to make shift housing, it appeared as though it were a repeat of 1996.
It looks that all news is good news. La Mongie appeared every evening on French news bulletins. When electricity was repaired bookings began to arrive, attracted by the good snow.
Les Deux Alpes and neighbouring Blanc Chamonix lay claim to nearly five meters base on the top pistes at 2500 meters elevation and 2.5 m at the end of the runs. Presently the deepest in the Alps. Brevent says that there is four m at the top of the resort. Unluckily snow drifts have demolished a support of the drag lift that serves the domain. They will be out of commission till mid February.
In other places in the S. Alps inquiries have increased 19% in Portes du Soleil, Risoul and La Grave. Val Cenis has 2% occupancy and traded a record number of lift passes last Tuesday. This is timely news for large ski companies.
