Le Franco Phoney

After a long delay, La Clusaz is getting an electronic ski pass system. It’s a year late, and it caused the owners of the Croix Fry area of La Clusaz to opt out of the lift ticketing system last year, making the mountain much harder to get around. However, the disgruntled Croix Fry owners have stated that (translated from French): “A court order has prompted a resolution with the owners concerned and the mayors of Manigod and La Clusaz so that the Croix Fry will once again be accessible via the commercial lift system.”

Of course, the reason the electronic pass system didn’t go in last year is because Satelc, the La Clusaz/Manigod lift company, decided to divert the funds to artificial snow-making canons after a very slushy winter. Croix Fry felt that La Clusaz had reneged on their deal and protested by not accepting La Clusaz ski passes in the Croix Fry area last winter. An additional fee had to be paid to access the small, private area. The decision surely cost them money, but it was clear they were cutting off their nose to spite their face when they announced the change.

Satelc have also denied the current rumour flying around town that they will be charging extra for the snow park this year. A daily, weekly, monthly or season pass will still allow anyone into the snow park at no extra fee. They have been working on the park over summer too, with the dirt below the kickers being re-angled for a better landing, and an area being dug-out for an in-ground half-pipe. Bring on the snow!