Les Deux Alpes is up for saleSep 05, 2009
Les Deux Alpes, popular French ski resort, is looking for a new owner and investor for its network of ski lifts. DAL (Deux Alpes Loisirs) is planning to sell at least half of its rights for the resort ski lifts. Thus, the company currently controlling the ski lifts at Les Deux Alpes will practically go out of business. According to estimates, the company is planning to sell up to 80% of its ownership rights, but in any case, as soon as DAL finds a buyer, it will no longer have the rights to control the ski lifts at the resort.
DAL was found in 1964 and practically became one of the first companies to transform Les Deux Alps into a world class resort with year-round service. It is not surprising that among the numerous local people, as well as at the department of tourism the rumors have gone about the troubles the sale could cause.
Pier Balm, the mayor of Venosc (a small medieval town near Les Deux Alpes) intends to remind all companies willing to bid on DAL, that they will need to show proof of their intention to follow the predefined investment program. In particular, the program prescribes the replacement of a 35 year old ski lift railway called Diable, as well as undergo a construction project of a new railway to Venosc. The commune currently owns 12% of DAL.
The prospects are unclear at the moment, but it is likely that interested parties will announce their interest before the beginning of the winter season. Among possible buyers are Compagnie des Alpes (owns lifts in Chamonix, Meribel, Tigne, and recently divested Verbier), Loisirs Solutions, Remy Loisirs Labellemontagne (owns 8 medium size ski areas) and other less known market players.
There are still no official commentaries on DAL's part, but let's hope that the sale of the ski lifts will not reflect poorly on the tourists, and both skiers and snowboarders will be able to enjoy awesome skiing and wonderful views once again this season. Right now Les Deux Alpes is among the most visited ski resorts in France. The resort offers over 200 km of slopes, summer skiing and a glacier. In a recent story we talked about the prospects of the ski areas in Les Deux Alpes and neighboring Alpes d'Huez to merge into what would become France second largest ski region (469km).
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