ADAPTATION OF SUMMER GLACIER SKI DESTINATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH IN SAAS-FEE AND ZERMATT

In Switzerland, high mountain areas have undergone extensive development for tourism, with mountain tourism primarily centered around outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. However, these activities are intricately tied to the environment, and the current impact of climate change is reshaping their foundational elements. Notably, reduced snow availability during winter poses a challenge to ski tourism, while glacier retreat raises concerns about the future of glacier tourism and alpinism during the summer season. Addressing these challenges necessitates a focus on destination adaptation to climate risks, particularly when the destination relies on vulnerable activities. This presentation shares initial findings from a research project aimed at comprehending the adaptations required to mitigate climate change impacts on summer glacier skiing in Saas-Fee and Zermatt, the last two remaining summer glacier ski resorts in Switzerland. Given the complexity of interactions between multiple stakeholders in these glacier summer ski resorts, the project aims to construct a systemic adaptation framework. The methodology involves conducting semi-structured interviews with tourism stakeholders (n=10) and skiers/ sports team managers (n=14), the primary customers of this activity. Preliminary results indicate that climate change affects both the demand and supply sides, resulting in increased operating costs, the risk of summer closures, and heightened uncertainty about operational viability. This, in turn, impacts the demand side, particularly professional skiers who face uncertainties in glacier availability for summer training, leading them to explore alternative options such as traveling to the southern hemisphere or utilizing artificial ski domes. The study expands and discusses these findings to uncover interrelationships among the diverse stakeholders involved.