The Ski FactorsIt is really important to remember that ski tourism has proved to be critical to the survival of many mountain economies. In Germany in the 1970s, the Green Party was very successful in blocking many developments of new lifts in Bavaria; consequently the installations became very old, slow and unpopular. The resorts could no longer attract skiers and the area went into economic decline. In early 2000, this situation changed, new lifts were installed and now the resorts are able to attract skiers, the local economy is thriving again and unemployment reduced. The positive impacts of the snow sports industry in creating viable communites and preventing outmigration, through increased revenue, population stability and reduction in seasonality can often be often overlooked.
Ski tourism is still seen as a way forward - and ski resort development is gathering speed in parts of Eastern Europe, the Ukraine, Russia and others. However, without careful planning to the principles of Responsible Skiing, landscapes can be damaged, local people can lose out and the perceived benefits do not materialise. For this reason - The Ski Factors pages address the new development of facilities. However, in much of Western Europe and North America, most resorts already exist and are no longer expanding. It is for these reasons we also need to concentrate on how to manage and improve the existing operations of the ski industry. So, The Ski Factors are the issues that are unique to ski tourism; the artificial snow, the ski lifts, the pistes and the management of off piste skiing. The reliance of mountain resorts on downhill skiing together with the erratic winters of recent times have lead most European resorts to follow North America and invest heavily in artificial snow making facilities. Combined with the creation of the reservoirs to collect the water and the pipes and snow cannons this has had a major impact on the mountains – but has succeeded in guaranteeing good conditions and creating a steady predictable seasonal income. But is the benefit worth the impact? Find out more in The Ski Factors – Artificial Snow Pistes are the trails down the mountains that skiers use and as mentioned – in most countries the ski resorts already exist and are no longer expanding. Nonetheless, where new pistes are being created, sometimes the slope of the mountain and the existing vegetation, ie mountain pastureland, has meant that little has to be done to prepare a surface for skiing, however in other areas, the land is machine graded or trees are felled. How can we minimise the need for pistes and the damage? Find out more in The Ski Factors - The pistes Lifts have been integral to mountain tourism for over 100 years, starting with the early cable cars and funicular railways in Switzerland. They make the mountains accessible to all – however, with the advent of modern ski tourism, there are many more creating a visual impact all year round. For many ski resorts, expansion these days is limited to creating new links with other areas, rather than creating new pistes, so more ski lifts are being installed. How can this be done with minimal impact? Find out more in The Ski Factors – The Ski Lifts When skiing first began there were no pistes; all skiing was off piste – ie on unprepared snow and slopes. Nowadays, as skiers get better and search for more challenge and excitement and to improve their skills further, they want to get away from the ‘easier’ pistes and go back to the natural way – just the skier and the mountain. But is it safe and does it do more damage? Find out more in The Ski Factors – Off Piste Skiing Skiing needs to continue for the survival of mountain communities but not at the cost of the environment. However – it is not the case that you have to have one or the other. There are many ways to manage the sport to reduce the impact on the environment both when installing facilities and managing skiing on an ongoing basis. It is for resorts to find that balance and ensure they protect both their economy and community and the beauty and diversity of the mountain environment. |  Artificial SnowWater and energy guzzlers – or guaranteeing the season?
Find out more The PistesDamaging the mountains and biodiversity or keeping people safe?
Find out more Ski LiftsEyesores or enabling enjoyment of the mountains?
Find out more Skiing Off PisteDisturbing the wildlife or skiing in a more natural way?
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