Information podcast “Overview” on future winter tourism: This is how ski areas respond to climate change

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Switzerland’s tourism wealth is based on breathtaking mountain views and snowy winters. However, due to climate change, snow safety in the mountains is increasingly questioned. This past winter showed this especially clearly, when the low-lying ski slopes meandered magnificently through meadows and mud. The photos spread all over the world. The question therefore arises: Can winter tourism in Switzerland be saved in the long term? How can existing aids such as snow cannons and snow tackle be operated sustainably and cost-effectively, even for smaller ski areas?

These are the questions that “transparency” explores in this podcast episode. There is also the issue of reasonable economic alternatives for mountainous regions; assuming the snow will indeed go downhill for the foreseeable future. In search of answers, we spoke to Swiss climate, snow and tourism researchers, chairlift operators and piste managers.

Unbridled optimism at Tschappina GR

As an example of a smaller, lower-lying ski area, “Überblick” visited Tschappina in Graubeğen. Although last winter was difficult throughout Switzerland, track manager Roli Blumer is optimistic about the next winter: “I am looking forward to next winter with great pleasure. “After last winter, things can get better.” Blumer also emphasizes how vital the use of snowballs is for the ski area. Due to high water and energy requirements, making artificial snow in ski areas is a resource and financing issue; It is also a matter of sustainability for society. Therefore, new solutions are needed for this as well.

ZHAW tourism researcher Stefan Forster emphasizes that mountain regions and ski areas must increasingly think about offers and lift infrastructure beyond winter: “In summer you may only need to go up and down once, so you don’t have the same choice frequencies. That’s why you should consider what alternatives there are other than “Liftlen”. Alternatives have already been used successfully in some regions in Switzerland, with initial successes achieved; It is even considered to continue classical winter operations. You can find out what areas and offers these are in the podcast.

Research: Sabine Styger
Moderation: Daniel Fanslau and Sabine Styger
Producer: Carlo Lardi

“Überblick” appears on Blick.ch, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Source : Blick