Charabotte waterfallCharabotte waterfall
©Charabotte waterfall|Jerome PRUNIAUX

4-season mountain industry

Faced with the challenges of climate change and evolving tourism practices, the Département de l’Ain is committed to supporting the transformation of its mountain perimeter. This strategic approach aims to position the Ain mountains as an attractive, resilient and essential destination, meeting visitors’ aspirations while supporting local economic development.

An ambitious strategy for four-season tourism


The result of a collective process of reflection led by the Département de l’Ain in conjunction with the EPCIs and private players, it has led to the drawing up of a 5-year development plan focusing on several areas:

  • Structuring a four-season tourism offering by diversifying and developing year-round activities in the fields of nature (hiking, mountain biking, cycling, Nordic sports, etc.), culture and heritage, as well as by qualifying flagship sites.
  • Strengthen and modernize tourist accommodation by encouraging the creation and establishment of new structures, and by supporting the renovation and upgrading of existing facilities through a support and subsidy scheme.
  • Develop a marketing strategy designed to make the destination’s mountain offering tangible, by promoting 4-season activities and holidays.
  • Set up a governance structure with local authorities and businesses to improve collaboration and optimize the actions of the collective strategy.
6.81 million

Number of overnight stays in the Ain mountains in 2024

50%

Proportion of overnight stays in the Ain destination generated by the mountain sector

50%

Percentage of tourism jobs and overnight stays in the département concentrated in mountain areas

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