You only had to see the traffic jams this Sunday in the early evening on the main roads that descend from the ski resorts of northern Catalonia to be convinced: these Christmas holidays were marked by the comeback of enthusiasts. winter sports. After the white season in the resorts and their ski lifts closed since the start of the health crisis, holidaymakers were able to take advantage of heavy snowfall early in the season and a particularly mild and sunny weather. As a result, some stations posted an occupancy rate close to 100% during the second week, which began on Boxing Day, traditionally the busiest.
Restaurants and accommodation taken by storm
“The first week, we were already over 75% full, which is already quite remarkable”, details Christian Sarran, the communications manager of the Font-Romeu tourist office. “And from December 26, there was a massive influx of holidaymakers. I think we were not far from 100%, or _around 25,000 people_, knowing that about half of them ski. “
In Les Angles, the other major resort in the Pyrénées-Orientales, the restaurant La Fermette had again its crowded terrace at 3 p.m. this Sunday afternoon! For the past two weeks, holidaymakers have been favoring its raclettes, fondues and charcuterie platters. “We are on a 72 hour reservation deadline”, says Matteo Martinez, who has been welcoming customers for two weeks. “For example, on Saturday, we finished the noon shift at 5:30 p.m. We are always busy all day, all day. And in the evening, we do two full services. It’s intense!” Another sign of the excellent start to the season, finding accommodation has sometimes been an obstacle course for holidaymakers.
Increase in attendance for the entire territory
The increase in attendance at ski resorts is estimated at 10% compared to 2019 by the Catalan Snow directorate. “We will refine the figures by looking at the treatment of household waste and water consumption, but what we see on the ski lifts is generally verified”, explains Michel Poudade, the mayor of Angles and president of the ski area. “And it’s a global attendance! Our territory is also attractive for hikers and those who come to rest.
I think that last year, with the closure of the ski areas, people discovered the mountain in a different way.
“The municipalities which are not supportive of ski resorts have experienced a good attendance”, he continues. “It is truly the entire territory that has benefited from it.” And the weather is definitely good: holidaymakers have barely left that snow is expected in the week to whiten the tops.