By Vasileos Orfanos, Year 12
Have you ever experienced the mountainous Alps in harsh February conditions? Snow rushing onto your helmet and jacket as you’re slowly ascending on the spine-chilling ski lift. Fogginess which gives you barely enough eyesight to see your own hands. Bitter cold waves of air rushing onto your face and only one thought is left inside your head; when will this brutal pain end? Despite the fact that being caught in this terrible situation sounds like something no one on this planet would want to experience, if you have recently, it was probably somewhere else; not in the Alps.
From 2010, there have been up to 60% less snow days, and temperatures globally are increasing at a rate never seen before. Some may have doubted the reality of climate change, but is it now truly happening, right in front of our eyes? In Switzerland, it’s typical for students to enjoy a one week break from school in February, where their families are free to travel around the world and enjoy a small break between the long winter term, which lasts from Christmas until Easter break. This meteorological transition ultimately means that February will most likely be spent in icy cold conditions, which are ideal for skiing.
Some of the mountain resorts which are enjoyed by many of our students at Ecolint include Chamonix, Gstaad and Verbier would usually be seen filled with thick snow, colourful lights and vibrant restaurants. However, reality speaks for itself. Most of our favourite ski resorts were sadly grassy green valleys this year, with only small sections of the mountain being covered with boring and sticky artificial snow. As we navigate through the challenges of climate change, the impact on winter destinations like the Alps is becoming increasingly evident. The picturesque landscapes that once attracted adventure seekers and winter sports enthusiasts are undergoing a profound transformation. The decrease in snow days and rising temperatures are threatening not only the economy of these regions, heavily dependent on winter tourism, but also the very essence of the winter wonderland experience we all once adored. Being lucky enough to visit a ski resort this year, the lack of snow and the heavy traffic of tourists made it almost impossible to enjoy. But the real question lies here: How will these mountain resorts survive in the upcoming years?
The most immediate effect of this depressing downfall will be the huge decrease in tourism. Countries such as France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria will be mostly affected. Typically, tourists from the United Kingdom, United States, and all over the world play a huge role in enhancing the economy of the Alps. With less snow being available and less skiing days, tourists will prefer other destinations such as Norway and Finland, which enjoyed numerous more snow days. Due to their proximity to the Arctic, conditions are preferable for ski enthusiasts, who want to make the most from their one week vacation.
Another major problem will be the huge infrastructural investments which were made to create ski lifts in the Alps. Will they be taken down and recycled for scrap metal? With a hefty price of 500 million per ski resort, the 1150 ski resorts around the Alps will need to seek alternative ways to make back the huge amounts lost in investments.
Sadly, climate change will never slow, as industrialisation is necessary for economic growth; which happens to be something all countries seek. This time in 30 years, Ecolint students might be setting sail on boats in the Bahamas or taking a relaxing break in front of the Mediterranean, instead of snowy escapades in the Alps.
