Kunstschnee

The magic words "winter opening" and "start of the season" are enough to make winter sports fans' hearts beat faster. The marketing departments of the ski resorts are broadcasting dreamy winter landscapes and snowy backdrops on all channels. Everything is open again! Optimism is spreading: Winter is here! Skis and snowboards are taken out of the cellar and freshly waxed in anticipation. And then it's time to head up the mountain!

The climate crisis concerns us all and is forcing us to scrutinise our actions. At the same time, winter sports are often criticised because of artificial snowmaking, energy consumption and the impact on the environment. So isn't it hypocritical to criticise ski resorts and at the same time enjoy skiing yourself? As passionate freeriders, we have to think about the decisions we make and how we can practise our hobby in the most reflective way possible so that we can continue to enjoy the incomparable days on the mountain with a clear conscience.

As we all know, the WeatherBlog likes it when things are happening in the weather kitchen and suffers from acute boredom, which turns into restlessness if the weather stays the same for too long. We are therefore pleased to be able to announce: Something is happening! The next few days offer (almost) everything that Alpine weather can do.

It is difficult to write about winter when it "does not" exist. It becomes a reminiscence that is objectively supported by a multitude of measurements and scientific studies and comparisons, but is subjectively nourished by a feeling that increasingly fades the longer and more often it is absent. At the end of the Snow of Tomorrow season, PGler Jan reflects on the past winter that wasn't one and those that are yet to come.

Hubert Aiwanger is using state funds to promote snow cannons in Bavarian ski resorts. In a winter between the energy and climate crises, this is leading to heated discussions. But do we even need these snow cannons or are we just hanging on to times long gone?

Piste guns or snow farming sites - all there to herald the start of the winter season as early as possible. But what is behind these two methods and do we really need them?

On the glacier in October, to South America in summer: skiing is always possible. Especially where there is snow. Or only where there is snow. But what do we need to do to still be able to go skiing tomorrow? For our author, the key lies in the snow of tomorrow - and in less self-optimization but much more mindfulness.

Skiing involves clothing, equipment, travel, but above all the ski resort. For all those who want to be as environmentally friendly as possible, but don't want to make the ascent under their own steam, we have gone in search of environmentally friendly ski resorts.

Artificial snow has become an integral part of Alpine skiing and many ski resorts routinely cover the majority of their slopes with snow. When all the artificial snow melts in spring, the meltwater enters the water cycle. But what exactly is in it?

Every two years, the International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) brings together scientists and practitioners from a wide range of different, but always snow-related, subject areas. New findings and research results are presented in various thematic blocks - so-called sessions. We break the whole thing down into more or less digestible morsels and summarize the sessions of the ISSW2018 for you every two weeks.

Polluters, bad boys/girls, egoists: take your pick. We skiers are the climate's nightmare come true. Or are we? This column will look at the reality and how we can ski in a more environmentally friendly way. But first of all, why can't we get rid of this climate monster that is skiing?

The documentary "Snow of Tomorrow" was produced in 2016 and broadcast for the first time. By chance, I stumbled across a repeat in the 3sat media library yesterday, which can still be seen for a few more days. So if you have 70 minutes to spare at the weekend: it's time well spent, as the documentary offers a panoramic view of winter tourism in the Alpine countries.