Storm preludes a promising ski season

Zina will boost tourism

Winter has come with high expectations for the ski business. Zina, this week’s snowstorm has reinvigorated the industry.

Charbel Bou Farraha, Manager of L’Auberge des Cèdres, said the snow that fell this week and is still falling, will guarantee a very good season. “Our reservation list for the weekend is increasing, but people are waiting till this storm ends.” Those from Beirut, stay for at least two nights. “People come to the Cedars for the ski rather than the après-ski,” he said.

Nicole Wakim, Marketing Manager of Mzaar 2000-Kfardebian, the company that owns Mzaar Intercontinental Lebanon Mountain Resort & Spa, said the resort is fully booked. “The hotels in the whole area more than doubled their reservations as soon the snow started falling.” People miss it, especially since they were deprived from snow in the past two years. “Our guests are mostly expatriates, but the number of Europeans is increasing,” she said.

The Ministry of Tourism is getting ready to launch a promotional campaign for winter activities.

Winter sports retailers are also expecting a growth in activity. According to Majida Akiki, at La Maison Du Ski, the store has not yet felt any boost in sales, as the storm is ongoing. “But we expect it, as soon as the storm ends.” She said that the price of a high quality ski outfit is around $1,000, including the suit, helmet, shoes and accessories.