Damasco

OECD - Wengen 2006 Workshop

Climate Change and Winter Tourism OECD Report on Adaptation

University of

University of

Zurich

Zurich

Bruno Abegg, Department of Geography

OECD - Wengen 2006 Workshop

Climate Change and Winter Tourism OECD Report on Adaptation
Natural Snow-Reliability of Alpine Ski Areas
Overview Results

Adaptation Strategies
Technological Adaptation
-

Slope Development, Going Higher, Snowmaking Diversification, All-Year Tourism, Withdrawal

New Business Models

Conclusions
University of

Zurich

Bruno Abegg

Natural Snow-Reliability of Ski Areas A Sensitivity Analysis
Concept 100 days rule / line of natural snow-reliability Climate Change Impact Plus 150 m per 1°C warming Number of naturally snow-reliable ski areas today and in future: +1°C (2020s), +2°C (~2050), +4°C (~2100) Sample: 666 ski areas from A, CH, F, G and I A ski area is considered to be naturally snow-reliable if the upper half of its altitudinal range is located above the threshold value for the line of natural snow-reliability.

Naturally Snow-Reliable Ski Areas in %

Number of Naturally Snow-Reliable Ski Areas

Results
The alpine ski industry is very sensitive to changes in natural snow conditions. In case of plus 2°C, only 61% of today’s ski areas would remain naturally snow-reliable. Implications New pattern: low-elevation ski areas are likely to disappear; skiing will concentrate on most suitable locations (higher terrain); changes in the market share etc. However, the most important regions are usually the least affected Increasing pressure to adapt to changing climatic conditions

Technical Adaptation I
Landscaping and Slope Development
Contouring/Smoothing of smaller areas Landscaping/Bulldozing of wider areas Goal: Facilitate the use of grooming equipment for ski run preparation, reduce the snow depth required for skiing (also cost saving strategy for snowmaking) Limitations: Impact on vegetation/landscape,