Tourism in French mountains faces challenges

French mountain tourism, despite a record number of ski days in the winter of 2025-2026, is encountering significant challenges such as aging infrastructure, insufficient investment, and financial difficulties. These issues are expected to intensify as the country prepares to host the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Deputy presents report on mountain tourism

Deputy Alexis Jolly of Isère, representing the 6th constituency, submitted a report on October 14 as part of the examination of the 2027 financial bill. The report focuses on the competitiveness of the French mountain region and outlines the necessary conditions for its development.

Report highlights administrative and financial barriers

The report, based on several weeks of consultations with local authorities, ski resort operators, accommodation providers, and funding organizations, identifies a range of administrative, legal, and financial constraints that are preventing the necessary investments in the region.

Twelve recommendations aim to improve conditions

The report includes twelve recommendations aimed at removing these obstacles. These include adapting the Zero Net Artificialization (ZAN) policy to allow for ski resort modernization, simplifying procedures for ski lift renovations, extending public financing duration, and increasing visibility for support programs.

Mountain tourism's economic impact

Mountain tourism generates around 20 billion euros in visitor spending annually across all French mountain regions. Each euro invested in ski lifts supports the operation of related businesses, highlighting the importance of continued investment for the region's economy.

Need for pragmatic reforms and long-term planning

Deputy Alexis Jolly emphasizes the need for pragmatic reforms that ensure investment security while maintaining environmental standards. He concludes that France must provide a stable, clear, and adaptable framework for tourism stakeholders to enable long-term investments and sustainable development.