Relativization of the negative ecological narrative
In recent years, one-sided public debates about the ecological impact of tourism, particularly with regard to energy consumption and water resources, have led to active skiers dropping out of the sport, quite a few of the remaining guests being on the slopes with a guilty conscience and potential newcomers to the sport not being won over. This ski shaming has the potential to become more of a threat to the industry than demographic change and global warming. This media swan song for skiing is already leading to a reluctance to invest in smaller and medium-sized ski resorts, which are very important for beginners.
EA closer look shows, howeverthat winter sportstourism ecologically is in an extremely good position – if the right standards are applied to assess the ecological impact. Thus causeswinter sports tourism in Austria only 0.9% of national energy consumptioncontributes However, ski resorts contribute 4.1% to the total gross domestic product in Austria – 4.5 times the proportionate energy requirement. Ski resorts therefore make particularly efficient use of energy as a resource. They also create jobs in regions that would otherwise fall far behind the big cities. In additionen in Austria’s ski resorts 90 % des current from renewable sources, which ensuresthat the positive effects can also be a comparatively low CO2 footprint. Ea Study presented at the end of November to the ski resorts in the Allgäu and Kleinwalsertal showed that these ski resorts generate a value added of only 0.06 kg CO2 equivalents emit while the German economy emits a total of 0.22 kg of CO2 per euro – more than three times as much! The cable car companies are therefore exemplary when it comes to climate protection. In the Allgäu, they emit 0.97 kg of CO2 equivalents per guest. The saves by the way exactly this amount if he orders a plate of spaghetti with instead of a Wiener schnitzel with chips and beer, he orders a plate of spaghetti with paprika cream sauce and apple juice.
Is the water consumption of ski resorts drying out the Alps?
The often criticized water consumption in ski resorts is also put into perspective on closer inspection. In the entire Alpine region, 125 million cubic meters of water are used annually for snow production. Sounds like a lot, but is it really ? With the 42 million cubic meters that are covered in snow in Austria, the ski resorts generate box office sales with lift tickets alone amounting to 1.5 billion euros. That means a good 35 euros per cubic meter. In beer production, only a tenth of this turnover is achieved per liter of water used.
What’s more, the water used in beer production and most other industries is subsequently waste water, while the water used to make snow flows back into the local water cycle in drinking water quality when the snow melts – only a maximum of 20-30% is lost through evaporation. The previously cited study on the Allgäu cable car companies found that their wastewater load is 0.9 liters per euro of added value. The German economy as a whole produces almost three times as much wastewater: 2.6 liters per euro of value added.
And the absolute amount? At least around 300 billion cubic meters of precipitation fall on the approximately 200,000 square kilometers of the Alps every year. Of this, 0.04 percent is used for snowmaking. If you only count the amount that is actually lost to the local water cycle through evaporation and drift, the figure is 0.01 percent. It’s hard to believe that the Alps are in danger of drying out because of this.
“Winter sports are far more than just a leisure activity – they are an essential driver for the economy of the Alpine region, combining sustainability with innovation and securing jobs in structurally weak areas.”
– Christoph Schrahe
Social significance of winter sports
In addition to the ecological aspects, winter sports have a considerable social significance. Modern cable cars make it possible for people of all ages to experience the mountains, to especially in the dark season in the fresh air and benefit from the positive effects of sunlight. These activities help to reduce healthcare costs by preventing conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression and osteoarthritis.
Conclusion
The alpine ski resorts in the Alpine region are sustainable because they generate heren high positive economic and socialen Impact with fewer resourcesthan the economy as a whole. Den Challenges of the Climate changes meet them responsibly with environmentally friendly technologysful way. There is less of a Deficit in doing than in self-confident and offensive communicating of what one with regard to sustainability already achievements. In North America, the winter sports industry has credibly positioned itself in the public eye as a pioneer in climate protection. For the continued existence of the alpine ski resorts it would be extremely helpful if a shift in image from the destroyer of the Alps to a role model in terms of sustainability succeeded. The industry needs to pull together across countries here. The first initiatives have been launched. It It will be exciting to see whether it will be possible to counteract the polemics and fake news public discourse characterized by towards to more objectivity and real facts to steer. There is no shortage of ammunition.
