Snow of tomorrow | Photographer Christoph Jorda on the consequences of climate change and the future of winter

The interview with Christoph would actually start right here. Actually. But it's important for me to tell you that we conducted the interview on February 21, 2022. Three days before the situation in Ukraine escalated and Russia invaded. When we conducted the interview, we couldn't have imagined that the scenes Christoph describes from his travels could also become reality here in our neighborhood. That's why we don't go into this topic in the interview.

Despite everything, we naturally don't want to withhold the interview with Christoph from you.

Enjoy reading.

You are an outdoor sports photographer, but also a photojournalist who travels to crisis regions. What does photography mean to you?

You ask questions (laughs). That sounds trite, but for me it's the key to a fulfilling life. It is of course a privilege that you can make a difference with your work and, as we increasingly live in a media-driven world, I have a certain amount of power as a media fox. And I think that with this power comes the responsibility to do something sensible with your talent. That's why I don't just go out and take photos for client XY, but also do what I feel like doing - whether it's taking photos in a glacier cave or documenting crisis regions.

For many, photography is also a means of capturing moments and stopping transience.

Yes, definitely. I am firmly convinced that at some point in your life you will reach a point where memories are the most valuable thing you have. And when we come back to the glaciers, this transience, that's also one of the reasons why I do this, go up there with the boys and take it all on myself, because the glaciers will be gone. And when you go to the same place every year, as we have done for six years now, you see what happens. It's pretty amazing.

What does it do to you when you see how nature is changing before your eyes?

I'll tell you, until six years ago, it didn't affect me that much. There were always bad winters and it was more about going powdering and getting out. We had it on our doorstep, so it was a matter of course. I then took a picture of my brother jumping down a big ice cave on the Pitztal Glacier. Everyone thought the picture was cool, only my brother wasn't so happy. So we said: "Well, let's go there again!" We went again in February, six weeks later, and the thing was gone. On the glacier. Almost at 3,000 meters. And we were standing there thinking: "Fuck, what's going on here?" That was really a slap in the face and we realized, okay, this is really serious when a glacier cave melts away at almost 3,000 metres in February. I also know my children won't see it again. With every location up there, we know when we leave that it was unique. We will never see it like this again. It's deeply moving and extremely sad.

But the glacier melt is one thing, I've also seen what's happening worldwide due to climate change. The snowsports community is always crying for its glaciers, but the fact that people are dying and people are having to leave their country because of climate change is a whole other dimension. At the moment, around 60-70 million people are on the run and, depending on the source, you could say that two thirds are fleeing because of climate change. And it's not their fault, it's us who are doing it. The industrialized countries.

We are probably living in far too much of a bubble here. The consequences of climate change are often not directly tangible; when there is a drought in Africa, for example, few people here on the ground are interested. If something happens now like the floods in Germany in summer 2021, then the consequences of climate change are suddenly very close for many people.

Yes, people only do something when they notice something themselves and when it's actually already too late. Seat belts, airbags, helmets - you only do something when it hurts. And that's how it is with us now. Now people are catching on and I think it's great that it's the young people who are saying "Hey, wait a minute!" But of course you also have to be able to afford it. You live in the First World Problem bubble here and often forget about the rest.

Do you also want to pass this awareness on to the people you show the pictures from your travels in lectures or exhibitions?

That's one reason, of course. When I give a lecture or hold an exhibition and can tell these stories, then people leave, at least for a short time, in a different way to how they came in. That brings us back to awareness.

Does it sometimes seem trivial to you when the winter sports industry discusses whether the latest ski jackets are made from recycled polyester or not?

No, I actually think that's cool. As I said, it's all going in the right direction. From a global perspective, it's not even a drop in the ocean, but it's a start. Above all, it creates awareness for those who put it on. Every little fart helps and I think it's good that companies like Picture or Patagonia or whatever else they're called are pioneers, simply doing it and inspiring people. Not just the people who wear it, but the whole industry.

You said in an interview that you're always out and about in your free time. What do nature and outdoor sports give you?

Everything. It's a gas station, church and sports hall. You can find everything you need outside.

Can we also use outdoor sports to inspire people to get involved in protecting nature?

Hopefully. But I think so. Because everyone who is outside and opens their eyes sees what's going on.

The more often you are outside, the more aware you are of your surroundings.

In fact, if you jog through the English Garden twice a week, you probably won't notice it in the same way as when you see the glacier cave melting away. That's more impressive, of course, and much more of a slap in the face. But everyone who is outside has to check what's going on and will develop an awareness as a result.

Let's get back to skiing: What do you think the winter sport of the future will look like?

It will only take place in glacier ski resorts. It's sad to say, but I think the small resorts will all die. And skiing will become mega elitist. It's already unaffordable when you consider equipment, travel, maybe some food and lift tickets. I find that really sad. Skiing used to be a popular sport and now it's an elitist sport. The snow is getting higher and higher, it's getting more and more expensive to be able to ski at all and the landscape is being encroached upon more and more. Entire valleys are being drained just so that there is enough water for the snow cannons. But I have no idea where that will lead. I also don't think that many people will switch to ski touring, because ski touring is not made for the average skier.

What do you wish for the snow of tomorrow?

That you continue to do this (laughs). You probably have the bigger context in mind with your question. That's why: That the snow stops melting. That it comes like it did in our childhood. And that we somehow manage to save what can still be saved. And that everyone does their bit to ensure that nature, animals and people have enough time to adapt.

Thank you very much for your time and the interview, Christoph.