A lack of snow in the French Alps could spell disaster for the ski season

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“We really need a series of consecutive storm cycles, and while it looked very promising, at the moment it looks like a fairly big storm and I’m not convinced we’ll get enough to change the game given the moderation,” he said, but added: “The jury is still out.” You can find more information about snowshoe resorts here.

What are the long term expectations?

Long-term forecasts for the Alps are difficult because the weather is so volatile, Wilkin said, but added: “There’s real talk in meteorological circles of lower temperatures in a couple of weeks, and while the building blocks are there, cold doesn’t necessarily mean snow — so It’s very difficult to try to predict anything.”

Can I get my money back if I cancel the reservation?

If your ski vacation is booked as part of a package—and that means flights, accommodations, and at least one other important item included in the price—most operators will either drive you to a resort where you can ski, or offer a refund.

For example, Club Med is contacting customers directly affected by the Grand Massif closure and offering them alternative spas if they wish to change.

If you have booked independently; You will have to process each item separately. If you’ve booked a flight, ferry or train, you can change your travel dates or apply for a full refund if you purchased a flexible ticket – although the rules are different. EasyJet, for example, allows tickets to be changed for a fee and Eurotunnel allows passengers with regular tickets to change travel dates by paying any applicable difference between the original dates and the new dates.

While there are no legal requirements for independently booked accommodation to provide a refund other than in good faith, this also varies.

Tim Townsend of Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, for example, owns a chalet in Samöens and offers a ‘no snow guarantee’.

“I got an email from my permit agent saying they had requests to cancel because the resort is closed,” says Townsend. “With the resort closed, we are offering guests who wish to cancel the option of 50 percent off what they have spent with us as a credit for the next year.

“It’s the first time in 12 years to own the chalet that the resort has actually closed.”

If you have pre-booked lift passes or lessons that prove redundant if you cannot ski, you must refer to the terms and conditions of your resort or provider regarding a refund or your insurance policy. Note that some (but not all) insurance policies cover bad snow, but only if the lifts are closed. So check the small print.

What else can be done in the hard-hit resorts?

Resorts work hard to keep the snow on the ski slopes, as well as offer additional recreational activities from touring and snowboarding to snow-karting, hiking, fat biking, and climbing. Cinemas have increased their showings, and tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools have reopened or extended opening hours.

Les Gets has taken the unprecedented step of reopening its ski lifts for mountain bikers while offering free games and entertainment alongside the tourist office.

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