Dive into the performance and trends of winter sports 2023 ❄️⛷️

IN BRIEF

Focus on the stability of attendance in winter sports resorts
Average occupancy rate around 71% for accommodations
Loyal clientele made up of French and foreign visitors
Diverse offers: snowshoeing, hiking, fat biking, wellness
Nearly one in two visitors no longer comes for traditional skiing
Climate pressure pushing mid-mountain resorts to evolve
Notable example: Hautacam completely abandons skiing to reinvent itself

With everything that has happened in the news, it would almost have been possible to forget the winter sports season! Yet, on the snowy peaks, the resorts continued to thrive, balancing tradition and innovation. For yet another year, while stability was essential, new trends gently changed habits, creating a landscape where skiing is no longer the only king of the mountain. Ready to discover what really transpired in the resorts this year?

The winter season is coming to an end, and it’s time to look at the performance and trends in winter sports this year. While tourism news has sometimes pushed our snowy slopes to the background, the mountains have continued to welcome their share of snow sport lovers, curious families, and adventurers seeking unique experiences. Between the stability of attendance, the emergence of new activities, and the very real challenges of climate change, this season gives us a contrasting panorama, rich in lessons… and surprises!

Mountains Still Attractive: Stable Attendance Despite Competition #

If we had to summarize the past winter in one word, it would be: stability. Winter sports resorts recorded an average occupancy rate of 71%, across all mountain ranges. Despite a slight drop in attendance between the February and Easter vacations, the rest of the season helped maintain the course. The weather, with satisfactory snow cover, played a significant role in this success, providing professionals in the industry a real breath of fresh air after sometimes chaotic seasons.

Interestingly, the clientele remains loyal. Whether among the French or foreigners, there is a return of regulars who renew skiing as a tradition. A steadfast loyalty reminiscent of art enthusiasts visiting original creative places, like the former monk dormitory turned artistic hub.

When Skiing Reinvents Itself: Diversification and New Practices #

Today, going to the mountains is no longer just about racing down the slopes. The resorts are competing in ingenuity, offering a variety of activities that attract an increasingly broad audience. On the agenda: sleigh rides, nordic skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, as well as fat biking on snow, the latest trend for thrill-seekers.

And that’s not all! Winter also means relaxation and discovery. Spas, yoga facing the mountains, local gastronomy, and heritage tours enrich the stay. Nearly half of the visitors now choose their resort not for the “traditional skiing,” but for this bouquet of experiences, much like they would choose to enjoy a festive and cultural interlude in Brittany during the summer.

The Mountain Goes Green: Climate Challenges and Adaptation #

No winter season would be complete without mentioning climate change. Some mid-mountain resorts, more exposed to snow cover melting, are undergoing profound reinvention. The most emblematic example this year remains that of the Hautacam resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées: after three consecutive winters insufficient to meet its snow needs, it has completely halted its skiing operations and is initiating a transition towards “four-season” leisure activities.

Now, exploring the mountains can be done as much on foot as on skis, and the resort bets on nature, hiking, and eco-friendly projects to attract a clientele seeking authenticity. A shift that echoes tips for improving running performance: sometimes it requires changing pace, but without ever losing the joy of the effort.

Audiences, Offers, Models: Trends Disrupting the Landscape #

This year, the mountains have proven they can adapt. Travelers, always in search of new experiences, benefit from an enriched and diverse offer. Between sports sensations and wellness breaks, solo visitors, families, and groups find their happiness. Some come simply to enjoy a convivial fondue in breathtaking landscapes, or to learn how to explore a region without breaking the bank, like by following these tips for Paris.

In this new landscape, the mountains cultivate their values: authenticity, sharing, and inventiveness. Whether you are a dedicated athlete, a contemplative walker, a culinary art lover, or an art enthusiast, the mountains always have a surprise card to play, reminiscent of inspiring destinations, whether in France or in unusual places like the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia!