Mountain stakeholders are among the great witnesses to climate change. In the face
of climate skeptics—37% of the population in France in 2023, according to Obs&’COP—the time has come to do more than just raise awareness. Regenerating,living things and reconnecting with nature: that’s the ambition of mountain territories. So what are the different diversification strategies and activities that today’s and tomorrow’s tourism rely on?

The future of tourism in mountain resorts

The increasing scarcity of snow has become one of the symbols of climate change. Indeed,
the winter season is no longer the only tourist attraction in mountains. From now on, we no
longer speak of “ski resorts” but “mountain resorts” . As we were reminded at Mountain
Planet 2024, during the “The future of mountain resorts”, for some years now, a change
of direction has been initiated, especially for summer tourism.

→ Watch the replay of the ANCT panel discussion on the economic diversification of mountain ranges

The aim of mountain resorts—in France and Europe, among others—is to meet
environmental, economic and social challenges. How can you reduce your carbon
footprint while fostering change? Through a transition to 4-season tourism to compensate
for a winter without snow. This evenly distributes operations throughout the year and across
all regions. It’s a proposal with strong measures for soft mobility.

Tourism and eco-mobility in the mountains

Transport is at the heart of the debate on mountain tourism . But how can we limit car use in
resorts ? At the 50th Mountain Planet trade show, the valley lift was the subject of a
presentation and numerous discussions. The Valléen project in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is
a case in point. This year-round gondola lift will link the center of Saint-Gervais with the Le
Fayet train station. The elected representatives’ aim is certainly to relieve congestion, in
summer and winter alike, on the road leading to the tourist resort . Limiting the impact on the
climate, environment, and landscape was also one of the reasons for this choice. With this
valley lift, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 12-15%. The quality of life for local residents,
tourism, and the region’s attractiveness will also be enhanced.

A diversified offer for holidays and activities

Apart from the winter season, with its snow sports—skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing—non-skiing activities are becoming increasingly popular. The transition from a snow-centric tourism model to a year-round outdoor sports model has been gradual. In this way, the year-round offer provided by resorts adapts to climate change. Holidaymakers and mountain users alike look forward to outdoor activities that combine
well-being and sports, in the air or in the water. Eco-responsible activities for environmentally-friendly tourism . From electrically-assisted mountain biking to hiking, trail
running, via ferrata, paragliding, summer tobogganing, zip-lining, and canyoning, there’s
something for every age. Cultural tourism also has its fans. Arts and crafts are increasingly popular. Each region works to make the most of its natural and cultural resources. From built heritage to farm visits and the discovery of flora and fauna with guides, the development of sustainable, local tourism is becoming increasingly popular.

The Avenir Montagnes plan in figures

The Avenir Montagnes Plan in France invites mountain regions to initiate their ecological
transition in the face of climate change. We mentioned the development of soft mobility, with
ropeway transportation. A total of 100 innovative or inclusive mobility projects in the
mountains have been supported. For 2023, the report also highlights two areas of transition
that have benefited from aid. Indeed, €15 million have been earmarked for trail restoration
and biodiversity. That’s 85 projects for a total investment of €29 million. A further
€18 million was allocated to the thermal spa sector, with 15 projects representing a total
investment of €73 million.