THE SEASON SO FAR: Mixed Messages

We're starting to get some figures on 2013/14, but the picture is far from clear.

The latest data from Domaines Skiables de France finds the Pyrenees to be the only winner, 5% up on last year and 10% higher than the average for the last four years.

The Massif Central is stable on last year, and 9% up on the average for the last four seasons.

Meanwhile the news is apparently less good in the Alps: -2% in Haute Savoie, -4% in Savoie and -8% in the southern Alps compared with this time last year.

Pyreneean resort bosses are clearly chuffed and declare that its reputation for dodgy snow is now behind it.   Our clients are now saying "Yes, we can go there", says the boss of the domaine du Grand Tourmalet.  Cauterets will stay open until 27 April, snow permitting.

This is backed up by the latest report from the Association of Mountain Town Hall Mayors (sorry about the transation), who report the following "indices of skiability" for the season:

• N.Alps:  9.7
• Pyrenees: 9.6
• Massif Central 9.4
• Jura 9.0
• S. Alps: 8.9 (10 in the Hautes Alpes)
• Vosges 7.2

The local government paints a slightly more positive picture, with its numbers based more on reservation rates than skier numbers.  They declare that:

• The season has been "generally satisfactory", aided by the good snow
• "Residences de tourisme" are doing better than lower quality accommodation
• You can find the Brits in the Northern Alps, the Belgians in the Southern Alps and the Vosges, and the Spanish in the Pyrenees
• The picture is generally stable for restaurants and shops
• The Southern Alps aren't doing as well as other areas
• There has been an increase in last minute bookings & short stays in many parts

Overall, the report says the picture is stable or slightly better than a year ago.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the picture is rather less positive.  The snow may be good, but the late Easter holidays are a nightmare for the resorts.  This year they run from 12 April to 11 May.  Both the mayors and the ski areas are deeply unhappy, but there is little change on the horizon for the next few years.

Generally, this flattish picture is a reminder why many of the bigger resorts are having to think very carefully both about their positioning and what developments are needed to gain (or maintain) market share.  For example:

• The rebranding of Val Thorens
• The grand designs for Arc 1800
• Flaine's plan for a new lift from the motorway direct to the resort

A new route to Flaine?