Ski resort in French Alps to close due to lack of snow and funding cuts

The closure of a major ski station in the French Alps has been confirmed as local officials decide to cut subsidies. 

This decision concerning the Alpe du Grand Serre station in La Morte, Isère, was announced in a joint press release published on Tuesday (June 24) by the Communauté de communes de la Matheysine (CCM) and station operators, SATA Group.

Both parties have come to the conclusion that they “do not have the appropriate and sufficient financial resources to build a new four-season economic model” for the resort.

"It is a painful decision and a page in the life of our region has been turned. We now need to look ahead, stand together and build a renewed future for the Alpe du Grand Serre station," said Coraline Saurat, president of the CCM.

“We have worked tirelessly and believed in this project right to the end. For over 20 years, SATA group has been deeply attached to this destination and the men and women who bring it to life…” stated Fabrice Boutet, managing director of SATA Group. 

“We reiterate our commitment to all those involved in the mountain resort, and we will stand by this community to support them through this period of transition,” he added, highlighting a particular commitment to those employed at the ski station.

A successful winter season

This news comes after the closure of the ski station, which has over 55 km of pistes, has already been pushed back by a year.

In October 2024, the CCM decided to stop subsidising it, which should have led to its immediate closure, affecting some 200 jobs. 

The station was then granted a one-year reprieve after receiving nearly €400,000 from various donors, including a public crowdfunding campaign which raised almost €200,000. 

This meant that the Alpe du Grand Serre was able to remain open to skiers during the Christmas holidays, resulting in a successful winter season.

The effects of global warming have however brought unpredictable weather and led to a lack of snow meaning the resort, located at an altitude of 1,370 metres, has seen opening days limited in recent years. 

Facilities and ski lifts have also required maintenance, with nearly €3 million being spent since 2021 on a project that would have seen the resort remain open year-round. 

However, the resort still required at least another two years of work to achieve this.

A community council meeting will be held on July 10 to officially decide on the details surrounding the station’s closure. It will be the largest of its kind to close in the northern Alps. 

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The ski station shared a Facebook post on June 25 stating: “The mayor of La Morte and the municipal council are appalled by the CCM's decision [...and] assure us that they will do their utmost to continue seeking alternative solutions to keep the resort and the village alive.”