French prime minister Edouard Philippe announced at 8pm on 14th March 2020 that the all non-essential shops and social activities must close by midnight. Although skiing as an activity was not mentioned, bars and restaurants were, and most commentators have interpreted the statement as ordering the closure of all ski resorts.
Within a few hours, Chamonix (including Argentiere), Tignes, Alpe d’Huez, Chatel and La Clusaz all confirmed they would close immediately, and none of the lifts and pistes in the 3 Valleys (Meribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and St Martin) were open this morning. All other French ski resorts are expected to follow suit.
Earlier in the day, Ski Andorra had announced that all skiing in Andorra was ceasing, so resorts such as Soldeu and Arinsal are also closed.
Previously in the week there were announcements effectively ending most organised skiing in Italy, Austria and Switzerland – see previous Ultimate Ski news posts.