Saint-Colomban-des-Villards Offers Free Ski Lifts and Slopes, Adapting to Climate Change and Promoting Sustainable Tourism in the French Alps

Published on December 30, 2025

The small French alpine village of Saint-Colomban-des-Villards has made a move that has not been seen before in the ski arena by making all ski lift prices completely free. The decision by the French alpine village follows decades of struggle in maintaining the much-needed ski culture that cannot survive due to low altitudinal restrictions that make the French Alps experience unpredictable weather conditions.

The village, which is at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the French Alps, has been experiencing increasing losses due to changes in the prevailing weather and the reduced skiing activities that take place. The strategy that has been adopted by the authorities to deal with the challenges is to eliminate the cost of using the ski pass, scale down the entire skiing ground, and focus on developing a sustainable approach.

A Shift to Sustainable and Diversified Mountain Tourism

Under the new model, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards is now a “mini ski zone”, offering just two drag lifts and a children’s slope. This compact setup primarily caters to beginners and families, focusing on accessible skiing rather than large-scale alpine sports. With this reduced operational scope and the removal of ski ticket sales, the village aims to cut its annual deficit, reducing losses from an estimated €1 million to between €150,000 and €200,000 for the current season.

Rather than continuing to rely on traditional ski infrastructure, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards is emphasizing winter hiking, snowshoe walking routes, and nature-based activities in the surrounding environmentally preserved valley. These activities offer a way for tourists to engage with the Alpine winter in a more sustainable manner, moving away from the environmental and financial burden of large ski operations.

New Offerings: Embracing a More Authentic Alpine Winter Experience

In place of traditional skiing, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards now encourages visitors to explore a more authentic Alpine winter experience, centered around nature-based tourism. The municipality has developed snowshoe walking routes and winter hiking trails on sun-exposed slopes, catering to those seeking a quieter, more eco-friendly winter escape. These activities provide a way to enjoy the mountain landscape without relying on ski lifts or the unpredictability of snowfall.

Additionally, the resort offers a sustainable tourism experience, encouraging visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of the area while supporting local, low-impact tourism. This shift from traditional winter sports to eco-tourism and cultural immersion reflects the growing demand for climate-resilient travel options that do not depend on snow-heavy activities.

Promoting Free Ski Lifts and a More Accessible Winter Destination

By offering free ski lifts, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards has made the region more accessible to a wider range of visitors. The initiative is part of a broader trend across the French Alps to rethink mountain tourism in the face of climate change. In addition to the ski lifts, the new winter hiking routes and snowshoe trails are featured prominently on the official tourism platform of the Savoie region, which is promoting the initiative as part of a larger reimagining of sustainable mountain tourism in the French Alps.

This approach appeals to a new generation of travelers looking for more eco-conscious ways to engage with nature. As climate-conscious tourism continues to gain traction globally, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ free ski lifts offer an innovative solution for low-altitude resorts facing the effects of climate change.

A Model for Other Low-Altitude Resorts in France and Beyond

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ decision to eliminate ski pass fees could serve as a model for other low-altitude resorts in the French Alps and worldwide. Resorts facing similar challenges with unpredictable snow and rising operational costs may look to this strategy as a way to continue offering mountain experiences without relying solely on traditional ski infrastructure.

This new model of tourism could influence future decisions in the Alps and other mountain destinations where climate change has made maintaining large-scale ski resorts increasingly difficult. By embracing diversified tourism and focusing on sustainable, nature-based activities, low-altitude resorts could offer more adaptable, climate-resilient tourism options.

The Future of Mountain Tourism in France: Sustainability and Innovation

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ shift toward sustainable tourism reflects a broader trend in the French Alps to develop climate-resilient travel experiences. As more resorts face the reality of fluctuating snow conditions, the focus will continue to shift from snow-dependent activities to more diverse and eco-friendly offerings.

In addition to traditional skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cultural tourism will become key elements of the region’s tourism offerings. This diversified approach will not only make destinations more sustainable but also attract a new audience of eco-tourists and nature lovers who prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.

A Bold Move for a Sustainable Future in French Mountain Tourism

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards’ commitment to offering free access to ski lifts and transforming the mountain resort to be more sustainable in the face of changing climatic conditions is an important example to be followed by all other low-altitude mountain resorts around the world. This is because it adopts nature-based tourism activities in addition to cultural and eco-tourism in the village.

This is part of a wider emphasis on responsible tourism practices that ensures Saint-Colomban-des-Villards and similar resorts continue to thrive regardless of levels of snow. As more territories seek to emulate this trend, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards is likely to lead by example in helping resorts ensure a strong focus on innovation within tourism, while at the same time being well connected with nature.