A helicopter flies through the snow in Gstaad, pictures of snow-white ski slopes surrounded by green are circulating, some ski areas have to remain closed this winter. Lack of snow makes life difficult for low-lying ski areas. Regarding climate change, things are unlikely to get any easier in the next few years.
If you’re not sure if it will snow in winter, wait and see. You don’t buy an annual subscription, you book at the last minute. Or look for a warmer place from the get-go. “This lack of snow reliability will have a negative impact on the financial situation of not only mountain railways but also tourism service providers in winter destinations,” says Jan Mosedale, lecturer and research director at the University of Tourism and Leisure. Sciences in Graubünden in an interview with “Südostschweiz”.
More opportunities for higher ski areas
This is why Mosedale advises winter destinations to prepare for the future. For example, consider rebalancing for the summer months. “The low-lying ski areas should probably develop an exit strategy and implement appropriate initial measures,” the tourism expert told “Southeast Switzerland”. The timing of the exit depends on how many more bad winters can be mitigated, as well as the timing of the new investments needed. Artificial snow may help in the short term, but in the medium term it will be necessary to reposition the ski area, which can be associated with high costs.
The situation is better in high altitude ski areas. According to the expert, investments there can continue to be worthwhile. (lui)