Even artificial snow is not a guarantee. While alpine skiing will increasingly become a luxury sport
[ad_1]
The impacts for tourism of the second little year of snow are huge even north of the Alps canton of Grisons closed the large Splügen-Tambo area for days: too hot even for cannons. Even the “traditional” Grindelwald World Snow Festival was deleted. Even the most iron-clad tradition capitulates in the face of rising temperatures.
The dependence of mountain habits and economies on the air temperature is more than evident. In the coming decades, winter tourists in boots and ski overalls will have to bring an umbrella: in fact, a slight increase in winter rainfall is estimated, but more rain and less snow will fall. According to the national tourism office the number of daily skiers, at the end of 2022, decreased by 8%“because of the rain, the almost spring-like temperatures and the lack of snow at low altitudes“.
The Swiss case
Now, therefore, some choices of the past and the entire future prospects of the colossal Swiss districts are being questioned. In a study conducted by the Department of Environmental Sciences of the University of Basel in Switzerland, experts wonder whether the investments of several million Swiss francs to expand the ski resort of Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis was “a short-sighted decision that will be regretted in the future”.
The interview
“Artificial snow cannot be the solution to the climate crisis”
by Cristina Nadotti
According to them theartificial snow could guarantee a 100-day ski season (a measure of the profitability of a winter resort) in the highest areas of the ski area, more than 1800 meters above sea level until at least 2100. To some extent this could be compensated for with new snow cannons, but only partially, the researchers write. And in any case not at Christmas: by now it is often too hot. The results are published on theInternational Journal of Biometeorology.
“Many people don’t realize that snowmaking also requires certain weather conditions,” he explains Erika Hiltbrunnerof the University of Basel. “It mustn’t be too hot or too humid, otherwise there won’t be enough cooling for the sprayed water to evaporate, freeze in the air and come down as snow.” Warm air absorbs more moisture and therefore, as winters get warmer, it becomes increasingly difficult or impossible to produce snow. In other words: “In this case, the laws of physics place clear limits on snow”. The use of new systems for the production of artificial snow, which allow temperatures just above freezing point will help little, and will cost a lot.
The interview
“Snow has an immense value, we don’t just think about skiing”
by Cristina Nadotti
Cost is also an issue. Technical snow will be increasingly expensive: over the next 80 years, water consumption for snowmaking will increase by around 80% in the area. In an average winter, about 540 million liters of water would soon be needed, compared to the current 300 million.
Costs that are reflected in the ski passes, which increase. Alpine skiing will evolve more and more into a luxury sport. “Sooner or later, middle-income people will no longer be able to afford it. The need for water“, explains Hiltbrunner again, “it is likely that it will generate a conflict between the request for the ski resort and that for the production of hydroelectric energy“.
Italy without snow
However, the future of winter tourism from the Alps to the Apennines is also worrying. Where the main question is whether it is better to exploit the slopes down to the last flake, and then remain dry from snow and tourists, or instead make a transition towards forms of alternative and sustainable winter tourism in time.
Climate
The absence of snow at high altitude means drought in the summer months
by Giacomo Talignani
He says Massimiliano Fazzini, snow specialist at the University of Camerino. “Analyzing scientific data and recent trends, it is clear that in the next 30 years the 100-day ski limit could be between 1700 and 1900 meters, both in the Alps and in the Apennines, where skiing would therefore be relegated to the summits of the major ski areas“.
In a report dated December 2022, the Bank of Italy also sounds an alarm. Consider the weather conditions and tourist flows in 39 ski resorts between Valle d’Aosta And Trentino over the last 20 years, and given the relationships between snow conditions, ski pass costs, and overnight stays in ski resorts, the bank’s experts have measured the risk of tourist losses due to climate change.
The report reads: “in the coming years, the impacts of climate change on ski passes and overnight stays could be substantial”, especially at low altitudes. And then: “We also find evidence that artificial snow has only a weak effect on winter tourism flows” and proposes “the need for a more comprehensive approach to adaptation strategies.”
The bank concludes: “Artificial snow can cover against occasional financial losses in low snow years, but will not protect against progressively warmer winters“. And he calls for forms of adaptation, so that there is a transition towards innovative tourism for the Alpine environment. This would avoid regretting rash and impactful investments, as the famous Swiss area risks.
[ad_2]
Source link
