French ski resorts have seen the number of visitors drop by 4% last winter according to the French Ski Area association: Domaines skiables de France (DSF). The DSF represents 238 ski resorts.

Born on the 8th of May 1915 in Aix-les-Bains Laurent Chappis a decorated war hero and a pioneer of French ski resort development has passed away on the 28th December 2013 in Chambery at the age of 98.

The lack of snow and generall poor conditions are creating conflicts in ski resorts as ski tourers and resort workers clash about access rights to the ski slopes.

A number of ski resorts have opened ahead of schedule this weekend in the French Alps and Pyrenees although access to Porte Puymorens and Andorra was complicated by nearly a meter of snow and a number

Another month, another first. After the Pic du Midi in May it is now the turn of Porté-Puymorens to open for skiing for the first week-end of June.

The top station of the Pleney cable car at Morzine has been destroyed by fire early this morning. Around 40 firemen fought the blaze. There were no victims.

The Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2877m), part of the French Tourmalet ski area has decided to open its doors for the week starting on the 6th May.

With just Val d'Isere, Tignes, Val Thorens, Chamonix and la Grave still open French alpine ski resorts are clearing up and taking stock after a prodigiously snowy winter.

Despite problems with road access and closed lifts due to the avalanche risk Pyrenean ski resorts have something to smile about at the end of the 2012/2013 season.

There may be over a meter of snow on the slopes of many Pyrenean ski resorts but only Cauterets, Piau-Engaly and les Angles are still open and then only to this week-end (14/15th April).