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Global warming and the global downturn, these double risks have passed by the Alps, at least for now. However it may have been so altogether contrary. In the weeks before the holidays hamlets in the Les Arcs region were isolated when heavy snow hammered down. Dual carriage way routes such as the busy Col du Les Houches were closed. In that location there was no mains or telephone lines, locals had to be moved out to pro tem dwellings, it appeared as if it were a double of 1997.

It seems that all promotion is good promotion. Les Gets appeared every night on national French news. When electricity was reconnected inquiries began to pour in, drawn in by the good snow.

Araches-la-Frasse and neigboring Les Gets lay claim to virtually 5 feet base on the upper areas at 2000 m alt. and 2.3 metres at the base of the resorts. Currently a record for the Alps. Gourette alleges that there is 5 m at the top of the resort. Unfortunately avalanches have swept away a pylon of the drag lift which goes up to the sector. They will be out of action till mid March.

Elsewhere in the S. Alps reservations have increased 17% in La Rosiere, Verchaix and La Chavanette. Les Gets has 99.5% occupancy and distributed a record number of ski passes on Saturday. That is great for big ski businesses furthermore hopefully this will aid the summer alps bookings.