The warm weather this year may be celebrated by some but for the many keen skiers the snowy slush and closed slopes in the ski resorts of Lebanon are causing consternation. Despite this, however, people are still taking to the slopes at the ski resorts of Faraya and Kfardebiane in large numbers, allowing the businesses there to breathe a huge collective sigh of relief.
In fact, such is the nature of Lebanon that despite this being the worst ski season in terms of snow in recent history, businesses have seen robust growth year-on-year. Joanne Zarifé, communications manager of the Intercontinental Mzaar, says that, “the occupancy of the resort maintained a high level exceeding the percentage of the last two years by 26 percent and the hotel has occupancy averages of 90 percent until March 2009. Our restaurant outlets have also shown an increasing occupancy of 22 percent compared to 2008.”
Ronald Sayegh, general manager of www.skilebanon.co.uk, also announced that his company had achieved growth of 20 percent last year. So while the warm weather has kept the snow away, the lack of snow has not kept the people away.
However, companies in the mountains are not resting on their laurels and are keen to stress that there is enough snow to enjoy the slopes. As Zarifé claims, “Now since the weather conditions have changed due to global warming, there are periods where skiing conditions are perfect and periods where it could be much better. But since it snowed heavily [in February], it is guaranteed that the month of March will be great in terms of skiing.”
