Courchevel Lifties Strike

Monday 25 March 2008

The lift strike is over on Tuesday at 09:05am

Strike action by S3V led to the closure of all Courchevel Valley lifts on Monday. The La Tania kids area drag and magic carpet were open (as it's run by the ESF) and the rest of the Three Valleys lifts were unaffected except for some Mottaret lifts also owned by S3V that didn't open until 09:45.

Méribel Village became packed as it took the bulk of skiers over from La Tania and Courchevel but once outside the Méribel resort level lift system the Three Valleys coped well. Some skiers enjoyed a trip over to Champagny / La Plagne - only a 25 min drive away.

Meetings in 1850 with the S3V Management, the Union and the Hoteliers and Ski Schools who were all behind the S3V workers and their demands were taking place right through until Tuesday morning - the strike called off around 9am Tuesday with most lifts running by 09:20.

Apparently management have given themselves large pay rises over the past 5 years while the employees have had very little or nothing. The lifties were actually supported by many Hoteliers and Instructors even though it was causing them massive problems. A pay deal was reportedly agreed but they also wanted the departure of Laurent Fillon (the big boss) who let's say they are not very happy with. The word is that he has been "moved".

Estimated losses of revenue to the resort for the day were put at around a million Euros.

Strike - it's not all bad...

Heading back to La Tania (from the Loze chair out of Méribel) after 4pm on Monday and enjoying fresh corduroy on completely empty pistes. Thanks to Nick at Nick Ski for the pics, click to enlarge.

Apres Ski still operating...

Shorts and Shades Mid Season Blues Party at the Ski Lodge.

More pics now here

page last updated 09/03/08