Saint-Colomban-des-Villards in France Takes Bold Step to Offer Free Skiing Amid Financial Crisis and Climate Challenges

Published on December 23, 2025

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, a small village in the French Alps, made a groundbreaking decision this winter to provide free skiing. While this initiative appears to be a generous gesture, it is motivated by the resort’s dire financial situation. For more than two decades, the ski area in the picturesque Savoie region has struggled with mounting debt and losses. Rather than continue to charge for lift passes, which have proven increasingly unprofitable, the municipality decided to completely eliminate the fees for the 2025 season.

The Financial Struggles of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards

The resort has faced financial turmoil for nearly 25 years, with annual deficits of between €400,000 and €600,000. These shortfalls have been exacerbated in recent years due to unpredictable snowfall, which has affected the reliability of the resort’s winter offerings. In 2025, the deficit reached a staggering €1 million, putting the resort in a precarious position. With an overall annual budget of €2.7 million, the municipality found that nearly 40% of its budget was being used to cover the losses of the ski resort.

The dire situation led the municipality to consult with the local prefecture, which demanded drastic action to reduce operating costs. Among the solutions considered was the partial or complete closure of the ski lifts. However, the community and local businesses depended on the resort’s continued operation, and a sudden closure would have been devastating.

The Unconventional Solution: Free Skiing for All

After careful consideration, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ municipality decided to make a bold move: they would operate a mini ski area free of charge. This decision came after careful cost-benefit analysis. The projected cost of offering skiing for free was €150,000 to €200,000, which was significantly lower than the €1 million deficit incurred the previous year. Additionally, it would save the resort the cost of staffing ticket offices and running a ticketing system, which alone could cost up to €41,000 for the season.

For a village with limited resources, offering free skiing might seem counterintuitive, but in practical terms, it makes financial sense. The revenue from selling lift passes for beginners was projected at only €18,000, whereas the cost of running ticketing operations was far higher. By offering free skiing, the resort could save money while maintaining some level of activity for residents and visitors alike.

A Mini Ski Area for Beginners and Families

The ski area will operate with a limited setup, consisting of two drag lifts and a children’s belt. This mini resort is designed primarily for beginners and families, offering a more accessible introduction to skiing without the financial burden of lift pass fees. For many families, this is a rare opportunity to experience skiing without worrying about the high costs that typically come with a ski holiday.

Despite the free offer, the resort’s financial troubles are far from over. The lack of revenue from lift passes means that the deficit will continue to be a concern, though the cost of operating the ski area has been reduced. In essence, this winter serves as a test for the resort’s future and a potential turning point in its strategy for long-term sustainability.

The Impact of Climate Change on Alpine Skiing

The mayor of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, Pierre-Yves Bonnivard, has emphasized that the resort’s challenges are not just financial but also environmental. At an altitude of 1,100 metres, the village is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Warmer winters and unreliable snowfall have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a viable ski area. The mayor has acknowledged that the future of alpine skiing in the region is uncertain, as the effects of climate change progress faster than anticipated.

As part of its long-term strategy, the municipality has begun to shift its focus away from skiing. The goal is to diversify tourism offerings and reduce the resort’s reliance on skiing as its primary attraction. Snowshoeing, winter walking trails, and other nature-based activities are being promoted, particularly in areas with sunnier slopes where snow tends to melt quickly.

The Future of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards: A Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism

Looking beyond the ski season, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards is working to develop a more sustainable and diversified tourism model. The municipality is exploring new ways to leverage its natural beauty and unspoiled alpine landscapes to attract visitors year-round. Hiking trails, nature walks, and outdoor activities are expected to become increasingly important as the village positions itself as a destination for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts.

This shift represents a painful but necessary transition for a community that has long depended on skiing for its economic survival. Moving away from a traditional ski-centric model will require public investment, collaboration with local businesses, and a shift in mindset. But for the mayor and local officials, this transition is essential for the future sustainability of the village.

A Transitional Winter: A Test for the Future

This winter, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards offers a rare opportunity for skiers to experience the slopes without the financial pressure of lift pass prices. While the free skiing experiment may not be a permanent solution, it serves as a valuable test for the future of the resort. By offering free skiing, the village is providing an accessible experience for newcomers and families, while also giving itself time to reimagine its future.

At the end of the season, the municipality plans to assess the financial results and visitor numbers to determine whether the model can be sustained or adapted in future winters. For now, it remains a temporary solution, but it marks the beginning of a broader effort to reinvent the village’s tourism offer and reduce its dependence on the ski industry.

A Step Towards a More Diverse Tourism Model

The free skiing initiative is part of a larger strategy to diversify the village’s tourism sector. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, medium-altitude villages like Saint-Colomban-des-Villards must adapt to survive. The village’s future will depend on its ability to offer a range of attractions, from nature walks to cultural experiences, that can draw visitors year-round.

For the residents of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, this winter marks a period of transition. The free skiing experiment offers a glimpse of what a future without skiing could look like, but it also provides the time and space needed to reinvent the village’s tourism offerings in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Embracing Change and Sustainability

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ decision to offer free skiing this winter is a bold move motivated by necessity and survival. The resort’s long-standing financial challenges, exacerbated by climate change and unpredictable snowfall, have forced the village to reconsider its tourism strategy. While the free skiing initiative may not be a permanent solution, it does mark the start of a necessary shift towards a more diverse, sustainable tourism model.

As the village plans for the future, it will need to strike a balance between preserving its alpine charm and adapting to new environmental and economic realities. For the time being, the village stands as a symbol of resilience, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the French Alps without the financial burden that typically comes with ski vacations.