Snow of Tomorrow | Green Winter Splendour

The Reality

Green and brown, with some white in between. Instead of white splendour, you are greeted by cheerfully meandering white runs between forests, meadows and lift supports at an outside temperature of 15 degrees. Romantic snow-covered alpine landscapes are somehow not what you imagine. And anyway, how does the snow actually get there? The answer and solution to all our problems (actually the problems of the tourism industry and ski resort operators): Artificial snow. Artificial snow, also known as technical snow, has become an indispensable basis for a successful winter season in many ski resorts. For ski resorts at lower altitudes in particular, snow reliability can now only be guaranteed through the use of artificial snow.

Is snow the same as snow?

Like natural snow, artificial snow consists of water, but has a different crystalline structure due to the manufacturing process. The water for production comes from meltwater streams or artificially created reservoirs. This is fed into the propeller guns and sprayed into the air as water droplets by the snow cannons. The cold temperatures cause them to freeze from the outside inwards into ice pellets. Artificial snow is more permeable to air, more compact, less insulating and contains minerals. So far, so good. But as its use continues to increase, critical voices are becoming louder and louder.

snow of tomorrow

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Green and brown, with some white in between.

Benjamin Stern

Brunnerkogel

Critical voices

The production of artificial snow has a negative impact on the climate, our environment and ecosystems. The production of artificial snow is associated with enormously high water and energy consumption and has a negative impact on the natural water balance. The noise pollution caused by artificial snowmaking also plays an important role, as snow cannons are mainly used in the evening.

It's about identity

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for winter tourism because rising temperatures are leading to less snowfall. It's a vicious circle that seems impossible to close:

Climate change = less natural snow = no guaranteed snow = less winter tourism = less turnover = more artificial snow = more energy and water consumption = more climate change and so on and so forth. And yet the turnover of cable car companies in Austria rose to a new high in the 2022/2033 winter season. You have to wrap your head around that one.

Austria without winter tourism, skiing without refreshment stops, refreshment stops without huts, huts without Kaiserschmarrn - hard to imagine. Winter sports are part of Austria's identity, and that's a good thing. But watch out: This is not a BUT, but a BECAUSE. BECAUSE winter sports are such an important (economic, cultural and social) part of Austria, shouldn't we be taking more care of the climate, our environment and our ecosystems?

So is it still possible to go skiing in times of climate crisis?

A clear yes and no! The choice of ski resort plays a major role here. Despite climate change and a lack of precipitation, large ski resorts in particular are continuing to pursue expansion plans, including the construction of new reservoirs and pumping stations. Instead of travelling to huge ski resorts, you can support small ski resorts on your doorstep. In the best case scenario, these can even be reached by public transport. Among other things, this strengthens regional value creation and at the same time reduces traffic congestion in the affected areas. Incidentally, this also applies to piste ski tourers.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for winter tourism because rising temperatures lead to less snowfall. It's a vicious circle that seems impossible to close.

Benjamin Stern

Information should be obtained before the nature experience

More and more winter sports enthusiasts do not want to support ski resorts and their development and/or enjoy pure, unspoilt nature. In addition to classic winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, more and more people are enjoying activities away from the piste. Winter hikes, snowshoe hikes and ski touring are particularly popular - a trend that reflects the fascination for unspoilt nature and sporting challenges in equal measure. A mindful approach to nature is the responsibility of everyone who spends their free time outdoors in winter - especially ski tourers.

Fair play rules for harmonious coexistence between people and nature

Stay on marked paths and routes
Avoid making noise so as not to scare wild animals unnecessarily

In open terrain, avoid tours at dusk and at night. This is the time for many animals to feed.
The edge of the forest should only be crossed in a direct line and snow-free areas should be avoided: They are the wild animals' favourite places.
Respect wildlife rest areas and keep your distance from stand areas and feeding areas.
Protection forests, which protect against avalanches, snow masses, mudflows and other natural hazards, should be spared and not driven on.
According to the Austrian Forestry Act, entering and driving on young forests below a height of three metres is prohibited. When skiing downhill, the sharp edges of the skis can cause major damage to the young trees under the snow.

Tension between "environmentally friendly" winter sports

When you spend your free time outdoors - especially in winter - you always have an impact on animals, plants, the environment and the climate. This makes it all the more important to be aware of this and make environmentally friendly decisions based on this knowledge.

Important steps have already been taken with the right tour planning and a suitable time of day. The tour portal alpenvereinaktiv.com shows all relevant protected areas and steering measures so that sportspeople can plan their tours wisely. For more information, visit RespektAmBerg - an initiative of the Austrian Alpine Club - provides all the important information required for environmentally and socially responsible coexistence in the mountains.