France to close its ski resorts during Christmas and winter holidays?

– French ski resorts will probably be closed on Christmas and will not open until January – said French President Emmanuel Macron. – This is a catastrophe – mayors and industry representatives comment on the decision of the authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron in his speech to the nation on Tuesday evening (November 24) announced that the ski resorts will probably remain closed during the holidays and accompanying school holidays. – We are consulting on this issue at the European level – he added.

The head of state emphasized that family meetings are possible, but that trips should be kept to a minimum to avoid the third wave of the coronavirus epidemic.

Pierre Balme, head of the mountain resort mayors and deputy mayor of Deux Alpes, described the authorities’ decision as “a catastrophe”, meaning “the end of the ski industry”.

In an interview with France Info, Balme said the announcement of the resorts closing on Christmas “was like a cold shower, everything collapsed”.

Prime Minister Jean Castex has promised the industry a decision on a date for the eventual opening of ski stations and slopes within 10 days.

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