A ski resort in the French Pyrenees has announced that it will no longer offer downhill skiing due to three consecutive years of insufficient snowfall. Located near the commune of Beaucens in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Hautacam Resort, which first opened in 1972, has struggled to maintain snow coverage despite its altitude of 1,500 to 1,800 meters.
Traditionally offering 25 kilometers of skiing trails across 20 pistes and seven lifts, Hautacam has faced serious financial challenges after experiencing a severe lack of snow.
“The resort has suffered through its third consecutive winter with a severe snow shortage, which has severely impacted its financial stability,” a joint statement from the Hautacam association, the Pyrénées Vallées des Gaves community, and the Lourdes municipality said.
It went on to state that, like many mid-altitude resorts, Hautacam is vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Given the ongoing financial strain, the resort concluded that continuing with winter skiing operations was not financially sustainable.
The association revealed that it had to request a substantial €1.44 million from local authorities to cover the growing deficits, compared to €630,000 in previous years. This level of funding was deemed unfeasible.
Looking ahead, Hautacam will shift to a “four-season” model, focusing on activities that can be enjoyed year-round, and will no longer offer downhill skiing.
New activities planned for visitors include:
- Zip-line biking
- Rail sledging
- Inflatable tube rides
- Hiking and biking trails
“The site will remain open year-round, offering a variety of leisure activities and restaurants,” the statement added. “We are already working on the necessary adaptations.”
Although the resort will not offer downhill skiing, a beginners’ area for ski initiation will still be available during snowy periods.