A research project called BeyondSnow is helping Europe’s Alpine ski resorts prepare for a climate-change-induced “post snow” economic reality.
Ten areas across regions in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland have been working with the project for three years since its launch in 2021. The aim is to develop ways of coping with the loss of tourist revenues, social change and environmental impact of diminishing snowfall.
“Our aim is to provide them with the data and tools to develop their own strategies,” explains Philipp Corradini, a researcher with the private group EURAC behind BeyondSnow.
Skiers staying away due to diminishing snow fall
To be profitable, Corradini says, ski resorts have to be operational 100 days a year. But low and mid-altitude resorts, such as the 22 Slovenian slopes between 1,500 and 1,800 metres around Lake Bohinj, are experiencing later and thinner snowfall, which is deterring visitors keen on guaranteed and safe action on the slopes.
“The data for the Vogel ski area [in Bohinj] show that the number of operating days has decreased by 0.9 days on average every year for the last 35 years,” according to a BeyondSnow case study. Klemen Langus, director of the Bohinj Tourist Office estimates this has caused a 15% drop in visitor numbers.
Pivot to the summer season
As a result of the change to their winter weather, ski resorts are adapting to survive, relying more heavily on the summer and the biking, hiking, cable car rides, nature-based activities and even archaeology that the season can offer. But these risk damaging the pastures that are central to that other essential Alpine source of livelihood (and food): agriculture.
Success stories are being shared across the regions, as well as toolkits summarising the “new sustainable development paths, transition processes, and implementable solutions” that are being devised in the pilot areas. Training and awareness-raising exercises are taking place for a range of stakeholders, from citizens and decision-makers to those with the technical skills and political will to make a difference.
Helping young people
The project, boosted by €1,944.473 million in funding from the European Union, is also part of the answer to the so-called “rural exodus”, aiding young people who are desperate to stay in their beloved home villages find ways towards employment. As Corradini points out, it’s important that it’s a grass roots up, rather than a top down approach.
“All tourist areas have potential,” he says. “We’re helping these residents create their own tourist appeal rather than letting outsiders do it, who may not have an emotional attachment to the region.”
