Water governance in mountain regions: what about high-altitude reservoirs?
Water governance and water management in mountain regions have been a focus for the CIPRA network for many years, with past and upcoming events on this topic. Acting as Europe’s water towers, the Alps supply water to thousands of people and irrigate the fields and industries of some of the EU’s most dynamic regions. Natural water-related risks (whether from excess or shortage) and the measures devised by local communities to mitigate them are at the heart of this study.
In 2018, the Department of Isère published a study suggesting that, by 2050, ski resorts in Isère could ensure a sustainable snow supply by equipping 42% of their slopes with snow-making machines – compared with 26% ten years ago. This reliance on artificial snow, catalysed by the announcement of the 2030 Winter Olympics in France, is driving an increase in water demand for tourism purposes, particularly the construction and expansion of high-altitude reservoirs. These are defined as such when situated at an altitude of over 1,200 metres. At a time when the sustainability of this type of development is being called into question – as evidenced by the sinking of the Loze hillside reservoir above Courchevel, threatening villages below – the question also arises as to their future in the context of global warming, in a not-too-distant future.
The study will also be forward-looking in nature, aiming to bring together some of the emerging ideas regarding the future of these reservoirs, which were originally created to assist with artificial snowmaking but which, in the long term, will no longer serve this purpose. Data is being gathered from a range of stakeholders, as well as from elected representatives from three ski resorts: Alpe du Grand-Serre (Isère), Le Grand-Bornand (Haute-Savoie) and Métabief (Doubs).
The subject therefore covers both the procedures and legislation put in place regarding these reservoirs, and a more conceptual notion of their future, as seen by various individuals involved in the future design of mountain regions.
Objectives:
To understand the role of the various stakeholders and organisations influencing high-altitude water management projects, from their design through to their operation.
Analysis of governance issues surrounding high-altitude reservoirs;
Presentation of prospects for the future of these developments, particularly following the closure of a ski resort
Duration: May 2026 – August 2026
Funding: This study is being carried out by Annabelle de Gaillande as part of a three-month internship, with funding from the French National Fund for Regional Planning through the Inter-regional Convention for the Alpine Massif.