Demolition of Ski Lift Built in 1964 in Saint-Pierman Village, France
Warmer Winters Due to Climate Change... French Ski Resort Season Opening Delayed by One Week
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Park] A village in the French Alps dismantled a ski lift that had become useless due to the absence of snow.
According to CNN on the 21st (local time), the ski lift in the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, France, was dismantled at the end of last month. Built in 1964, the lift had become an eyesore covered in dust for about the past decade as snow stopped falling in the village due to climate change.
Didier Bozon, a local councilor who was born and raised in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, explained, "This lift had not been used at all for the past 15 years," adding, "Even in 2007, when snow last fell, it operated for only one week." According to him, decades ago, the lift ran continuously every winter in the village. He expressed regret, saying, "This ski area was suitable for village children to learn basic skiing," and "The villagers used to hold competitions with small prizes like socks or chocolate."
The dismantling of the lift involved 20 workers and cost 20,000 euros (about 28 million KRW). The dismantling team has already carried out similar ski lift removal projects in about 10 locations across France for similar reasons. As climate change continues, such dismantling operations are expected to continue throughout France.
The French Ministry of the Environment reported that 62% of the country's population is exposed to severe climate risks. CNN stated, "Due to an unusually warm autumn this year, the ski season opening at the highest altitude ski resorts in France has been postponed by one week to the 26th of this month."
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