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The program

The program is varied and offers a wide range of interesting content, from presentations by the Alpine Police to reports by mountain guides. The theme of this year's Alpine Forum is change and adaptation to climate change. The program is divided into three thematic blocks.

1. Theme block #1: "What has changed in the mountains?"

2. Theme block #2: "Mountain professionals: Consequences in everyday working life and training?"

3. Theme block #3: "Piste professionals: New problems in everyday life at ski resorts?"

Topic block #1: "What has changed in the mountains?"

In this thematic block, experts talk about the effects of climate change in the Alps and the resulting risks. Governor Anton Mattle will shed light on natural hazards, while ecologist Christina Schwann will describe how environmental changes are affecting Alpine ecosystems. Alexander Radlherr, meteorologist, explains how climatic changes influence the weather and stability in the mountains and thus affect our winter sports. Mountain guide Gerhard Mössmer talks about how many routes in the high mountains are becoming more difficult or inaccessible and therefore require adapted risk management. But the air rescue and mountain police also have their say and report on the changing challenges and diverse tasks of the alpine police.

Topic block #2: "Mountain professionals: consequences in everyday working life and in training?"

This block sheds light on the changes and challenges in the everyday work and training of mountain professionals in the face of climate change and social developments. Helene Steiner, an experienced mountain guide, describes her professional challenges in the Alps and Canada, where not only the requirements of clients have changed, but also the conditions in the terrain. Kurt Walde, President of the IFMGA Technical Commission, emphasises how the history of mountain guiding can meet current challenges such as climate change and mass tourism - through continuous training and comprehensive risk management. Bruno Hasler talks about climate change and mountain sports in Switzerland. Finally, Walter Würtl analyses the accident figures for guided tours and asks whether the accidents are due to poor decisions or unforeseeable risks. The practical and training-related consequences of these developments will also be discussed in a concluding panel discussion.