Box 25E Impacts of skiing in Europe

Mountains are the last remaining areas in Central and Eastern Europe that are relatively untouched by human activity. They support a rich biodiversity, although relatively few species can survive in the harsh environment. Recently introduced human activities related to skiing threaten the balance of delicate ecosystems by introducing pollution, deforestation, soil erosion and human disturbance.

Forest clearance and increased incidence of avalanches: some 100 km2 of forest have been removed throughout the Alps, which has led to higher incidence of avalanches (CEC, 1992b). In Austria, the creation of 0.7 km2 of ski runs in one year (1980) for the Winter Olympics contributed to a major mudslide in the cleared area in 1983 (ERM and StfT, 1993). New resort construction may involve bulldozing, blasting and reshaping of slopes, leading to a higher incidence of avalanches.

Visual degradation of landscapes: natural forest barriers may be replaced with unsightly concrete, plastic and wooden barriers associated with developments.

Inappropriate development: the uncontrolled development of ski-centres in some Central and Eastern European countries (eg, in the High Tatra mountains, Poland) are threatening the environment.

Loss of habitats and disturbance of endangered species: operation of lifts, off-piste skiing, use of all-terrain vehicles and compaction of snow on pistes disturb rare species such as black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) in the French Alps, which can be decapitated by overhead wires, displaced from their breeding grounds and can face competition for space with cable car installations (Jenner and Smith, 1992).

Sewage disposal and water pollution: in the French Pyrenees the sewage from summer tourist resorts discharges directly to streams and leads to water pollution. In the Alps chemicals used in preparing 36 glaciers for skiing have been reported to lead to increases in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in drinking water (Greenpeace data, quoted in Tourism Concern, 1992).

Exhaust from private cars and coaches have led to death of trees, and to wildlife damage. In Switzerland 70 per cent of domestic and foreign tourists arrive at their destination by car (BUWAL, 1992). Emissions of pollutants from traffic and heating in Switzerland are shown in Table 25.2.

Unsustainable use of water: by 1992, 4000 snow cannons were producing artificial snow to lengthen the ski season in the Alps, using (and competing with other uses for) 28 million litres of water per kilometre of piste. In Les Meunières, France, 185 cannons installed for the 1992 Olympics were supplied by drinking water sources (Tourism Concern, 1992). Artificial snow melts slowly, reducing the short recuperation time for Alpine grasses and flowers. Furthermore, skiing in sparse snow conditions contributes to erosion and damages sensitive vegetation. The result is a severe reduction in water absorption and holding capacity of mountain slopes, and increased risk of runoff and avalanches.

Overdevelopment of tourism: by 1991, employment in the Swiss tourist industry in Alpine areas accounted for probably one in every three jobs. Over 75 per cent of accommodation is in the so-called para-hotel industry, outside the regulated hotel sector (holiday apartments, holiday houses and campsites) (BUWAL, 1992).

Source: ERM