Ski holidays in February could be thrown into chaos by strikes called by two unions.
After a horrid start to the ski season on the Continent during which unseasonable warm weather caused by climate change melted usually reliable slopes, Alpine resorts are about to be dealt another blow.
Two main unions covering lift and seasonal workers are planning “unlimited” industrial action from January 31 as part of wider protests against pension reforms in France.
Walkouts are being targeted over the school half-term period which may close scores of ski stations, The Times reported.
Half term in the UK is split over two weeks, from February 11 to 25, while the French equivalent runs for four weeks from February 4.
Eric Becker, head of the lift operators’ branch of the Force Ouvriere union, has said: “We have decided to call for a strike during the February holidays because demands are listened to more during this period.”
The other main union, Confederation Generale du Travail, issued an open-ended notice of intention to strike from February 6 to 19.
Workers are walking out partly in protest at the controversial pension reforms as well as the modification of unemployment insurance schemes for seasonal workers.
It is not completely clear how widespread the disruption is likely to be.
Although it has been widely reported that “unlimited” strike notices have been filed for the month of February and over the Ski World Cup in Méribel and Courchevel, a filed notice is not the same as a planned strike.
Only one day of action has been pencilled in so far, for January 31.
It followed a day of action on January 19, when strikes on three lift operators in Courchevel and four in Les Menuires caused limited disruption.
Olivier Desaulty, director of Les 3 Vallées, has provided a punchy prediction for how little impact he believes the strikes will have.
“The strike was little followed and had no impact on holidaymakers,” he told The Telegraph.
“We respect this right to strike while maintaining quality social dialogue every day, which allows us to be optimistic for the February holidays and the World Championship.”
Xavier Schouller of French mountain specialist Peak Retreats, said the strikes were “a total non-event” and that 95% of resorts won't even face the slightest bit of disruption.
If you do find yourself caught up in any chaos, what you should do depends on how you booked the trip.
Those who are on the slopes as part of a package deal may be moved to a different resort or be offered a refund, as per the terms and conditions of the holiday.
If you have booked independently contact your individual providers and airlines, and check your travel insurance.
As with airlines impacted by strikes, they are rarely required to pay out for disruption considered outside of their control.
