If this was a ‘normal’ year, there would be lots of press events in London, where British journalists would find out all about plans for the coming season.
Instead, there are lots of webinars – easier and more time-efficient to attend, but with fewer canapes.
Here are a few things we learned about French ski resorts this week, thanks to online events organised by A Tout France (about Covid-19 measures) and We Like Travel (about social media)
Covid-19 Measures
- Although the regulations may change there are no plans to limit lift pass sales or introduce quotas for this winter. Current regulations in France mean that ski lifts are considered ‘public transport’ and there are therefore no formal restrictions on the number of people on lifts, only that masks are compulsory.
- In Les 3 Vallées this summer, gondola & chairlift capacity is not restricted, but masks are compulsory (except for children u/11s). Social distancing is in place on the Saulire cable car.
- All point-of-sale staff at Compagnie des Alpes resorts will wear masks
- Resorts are encouraging guests to dispose of facemasks thoughtfully: it takes 450 years for a mask to biodegrade!
Social Media
- 72% of French skiers don’t subscribe to any ski resort social media pages:
- However, 44% of French skiers share photos of their holiday on their own social media
- Worryingly, 35% of French skiers do not believe that ski resorts respect the environment. The principal reason given was snow-making (66%).
- Val Thorens is the French resort with the most Facebook fans (530,000), followed by La Plagne (243,000). However, Valloire Galibier has the best engagement rate.
- Chamonix and Val Thorens are the resorts with most followers on Instagram (both on 140,000)
