Popular ski resort in Europe is closing forever. Reasons are terrifying

In recent times, a real winter, where snow lies for several months, has become a rare occurrence even in the Alps. The local ski resorts are facing increasing financial problems. Another one of them announced that they are ending their operations because it simply isn't profitable.

CNN warns that an insufficient amount of snow is the reason for the closure of the La Sambuy ski resort in the French Alps, near the Mont Blanc region.

This is a small resort with three ski lifts and several ski trails, reaching up to 6000 feet above sea level. There you can find trails for both beginners and advanced skiers. With its variety and economical ski passes, the resort attracted families who appreciated the cozy atmosphere of the place.

Unfortunately, the city has made the decision to shut down the ski lifts due to global warming reducing the winter sports season to just a few weeks. Opening infrastructure for such a short time is simply not cost-effective.

- Before, snow used to lie virtually from December 1 to March 30 – said Jacques Dalex, the mayor of La Sambuy, to CNN. He added that last winter, snow fell for only four weeks and even then there wasn't too much of it. Rocks and stones were protruding from under a thin layer of snow on the slopes, posing a danger to skiers and making it difficult to ski.

As calculated by the mayor, opening the center for less than 5 weeks in January and February results in a loss of $500,000, while the maintenance of the ski lifts alone costs 80,000 euros annually.

La Sambuy wants to focus on promoting summer activities - mountain hiking and various sports.

This is not the only resort in the Alps that has been forced to make such a decision. Last year, the authorities of Saint-Firmin decided to remove the ski lift, after the winter season was shortened from several months to a few weeks.

Source: CNN