Benjamin Stern (ÖAV)

Not only the early start to the Alpine Ski World Cup season in Sölden, but also the recently announced development plans for the Gepatschferner and around the Linker Fernerkogel have attracted a lot of criticism. In this article, Benjamin Stern, a member of the Austrian Alpine Club's Spatial Planning and Nature Conservation Department, explains what construction measures are planned in the Pitz and Kaunertal valleys, where glacier protection is lacking and what modern solutions the Alpine Club would like to see.

"The summer was good, even better than in previous years." Petra Zwölfer from Hotel Lamm in the mountaineering village of St. Jodok, Schmirn- & Valsertal. She confirms a trend that was also noticeable in other regions: Corona has increased the population's need for fresh air and exercise. And rightly so, considering that the risk of infection is significantly higher indoors than outdoors.

While the number of alpine skiers is stagnating or even declining in some cases, the ski touring market is growing rapidly. More and more people are seeking this special winter experience by the sweat of their brow. Even if ski touring is one of the more nature-friendly sports compared to alpine skiing - for which special infrastructure has to be built - it still has an impact on nature and the environment.

The upcoming new edition of the Tyrolean cable car and ski area program (TSSP) and a new government program that includes several ski area expansions in Tyrol are causing a stir. Benjamin Stern works for the Alpine Association's Spatial Planning and Nature Conservation department and is often out and about in the backcountry as a mountain and ski guide. He is an enthusiastic freerider himself, but is critical of further development plans.