The impact of climate change on ski resorts is becoming increasingly evident, and the contrasting fortunes of two French ski areas highlight this stark reality. While the small Ardèche resort of La Croix de Bauzon celebrates a very successful season, Aillons-Margériaz 1000, in the Bauges mountain range, has announced its permanent closure due to a continued lack of snow.
Aillons-Margériaz 1000: The End of an Era
On March 5, the Syndicat Mixte des Stations des Bauges made the difficult decision to close Aillons-Margériaz 1000 permanently. In recent years, the resort has struggled with poor snowfall, a problem exacerbated by its low altitude—its base sits at just 950 meters. In an effort to save money it had already closed the upper lift in the ski area.
The closure was not unexpected. A February 2024 report from the French Court of Auditors had already warned about the station's vulnerability, rating it at 22 on the risk index, making it one of the most at-risk ski areas in France. This marks the third ski resort in the Bauges region to close since the COVID-19 pandemic, following the shutdowns of Planpalais and Le Sambuy.
Aillons-Margériaz 1000 28 Feb 2025 (credit: OT)
Faced with a difficult future, the resort is pivoting toward alternative outdoor activities centered on nature and year-round tourism. However, not all is lost for local skiers—Aillons-Margériaz 1400, the higher-altitude section of the domain, will remain open.
La Croix de Bauzon: A Season to Remember
In stark contrast, La Croix de Bauzon in the Monts d'Ardèche is enjoying one of its best seasons in years. With an altitude of 1,365 meters and a robust infrastructure—including 26 snow cannons—the resort benefited from favorable weather conditions this winter. The season was marked by cold temperatures, ample snowfall, and a steady influx of visitors.
"We are all very happy! We've had a lot of reservations, and since early February, the snow has been fantastic," according to Etienne Dutertre, manager of the Auberge La Croix de Bauzon.
La Croix de Bauzon (credit OT)
The resort, which first installed a ski lift in 1937, has managed to maintain its family-friendly character while expanding its facilities. This year, all its slopes remained open late into the season, it was the only resort in the Massif Central with such favorable conditions. As of today there is still snow on the pistes but the lifts are closed waiting for the summer. With a largely regional clientele, affordability and accessibility continue to be key strengths.
The Future of Low-Altitude Resorts
The diverging paths of Aillons-Margériaz 1000 and La Croix de Bauzon highlight the challenges facing low-altitude ski resorts in a warming climate. While some, like La Croix de Bauzon, can still thrive with strategic investments in infrastructure and diversification, others are forced to reinvent themselves entirely. For the Bauges region, the closure of Aillons-Margériaz 1000 is a stark reminder that the future of low altitude skiing in France is increasingly uncertain.