Austrian Ski Areas Face Uncertain Future Amid Warmer Winters
As the 2024/2025 ski season approaches, a sense of unease hangs over many Austrian ski areas. While some higher-altitude resorts are optimistic, lower-elevation runs are struggling, grappling with dwindling snowfall and rising costs.
The Power of Altitude
In Tyrol, the majority of ski destinations sit comfortably between 1,500 and 2,500 meters above sea level, offering a natural buffer against unreliable snowfall at lower altitudes.
However, even these higher-elevation areas aren’t immune to climate change.
Reinhard Klier, a spokesperson from Tyrol’s cable car association, acknowledges the problem: “Valley runs” or smaller lifts situated at the base of mountains are most vulnerable.
For them, the threat of insufficient snow is a growing concern.
A Year of Uncertainty for Vorarlberg’s Schetteregg
The situation is particularly critical in Vorarlberg’s Schetteregg ski area. Located at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,400 meters, snowmaking is a necessity, but the cost adds pressure to already tight margins. Managing director Hannes Waldner admits, “Allocating snowmaking effort for our ten kilometers of slopes to keep ticket prices competitive is a significant challenge.”
He further explains that the short season, initially planned for 90 operating days with last season’s reality falling just under 40, weighs heavily on their ability to invest in necessary improvements.
Less Snow, More Problems
Across Austria, ski areas face a decrease in natural snowfall, especially in Salzburg.
One study shows a 30 percent reduction below 1,500 meters since the early 1960s.
While precipitation may increase by 2050, the impact of rising temperatures will likely result in shorter winters and reduced snow depth.
Technical snowmaking can bridge the gap, but it’s an expensive solution, especially for struggling areas.
The Gaißau-Hintersee ski resort near Salzburg serves as a stark reminder. After going through bankruptcies and ownership changes, all lifts have been shut down for two years, with snowmaking nonexistent.
Fewer Choices for Carinthian Skiers
Even Carinthia, traditionally a reliable winter sports destination, finds itself adapting.
The Flattnitz ski area in Gurktal, for example, has scaled back operations drastically. Only two slopes out of six will be open this winter. The chairlift company filed for bankruptcy last September, paving the way for a technical shutdown of the rest of the resort.
The Triple Threat: Snow, Electricity, and Staff
Styria’s ski resorts face a formidable challenge – a triple threat of insufficient snowfall, high electricity costs for snowmaking, and a dwindling workforce. “Let’s see if we can still get through this year,” says Sonja Schmoll, who runs the Schmoll lifts in Steinhaus am Semmering.
The once-vibrant ski industries in several Styrian towns have punctuated their recent winters with farewells.
The Wimmerlift in Eggersdorf near Graz closed its doors permanently in February 2023. “Because of climate change, we had almost no snow left and the season only lasted a few days,” reflects Roswitha Wimmer, who operated the lift with her husband for five decades.
Fighting for Survival in Upper Austria
In Upper Austria, the family ski areas in Kasberg, Almtal, and Forsteralm in Gaflenz, have fought for survival for the past eight years. The public sector stepped in to keep both areas operating, initially. Following a particularly warm winter, Forsteralm went bankrupt in 2020 and Kasberg followed in 2023, yet both continue to see a glimmer of hope.
Nearby, the Wachtberglifte in Weyregg am Attersee bid a poignant farewell to the slopes “with a heavy heart” this year, highlighting the difficult choices facing even beloved local ski areas.
A New Direction at Oestersch
Austria is not shying away from adapting future strategies for certain winter destinations.
In Lower Austria, the state has taken over the Ötscher lifts. Following the withdrawal of the Schröcksnadel Group, the state’s goal is to reposition the entire Ötscher region as a significant tourist destination. Entering a new era, Markus Redl, managing director
What are some examples of Austrian ski resorts that have closed down due to the effects of climate change?
## Interview: Austrian Ski Areas Facing Uncertain Future
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about the challenges facing Austrian ski areas as climate change starts to bite. Joining us is [Name], a .
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, we’re seeing a trend of milder winters and less snow across Europe. How is this affecting Austria specifically?
**Alex Reed:** Austria’s ski industry is facing a real uphill battle. While higher-altitude resorts are still relatively safe for now, lower-elevation areas are really struggling. As we read in recent reports [[1](https://www.dw.com/en/how-is-climate-change-affecting-europes-ski-season/a-67757334,) studies show a significant decrease in natural snowfall, especially below 1,500 meters. This is putting a huge strain on ski resorts, especially those who rely heavily on natural snow.
**Host:** We’ve heard about some resorts already closing down. Can you give us some examples?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. One example is the Gaißau-Hintersee resort near Salzburg. After multiple bankruptcies and struggles with unreliable snowfall, they’ve been shut down for two years now. And it’s not just small resorts struggling. The Flattnitz ski area in Carinthia, traditionally a reliable destination, has drastically scaled back operations this year.
**Host:** What are some of the solutions ski resorts are implementing to deal with these challenges?
**Alex Reed:** Many resorts are turning to artificial snowmaking, but it’s an expensive solution. As Hannes Waldner, the managing director of Schetteregg ski area points out, the cost of snowmaking adds pressure to already tight margins and can make it difficult to keep ticket prices competitive.
**Host:** So it seems like a double-edged sword – snowmaking is necessary but costly. What does the future look like for Austrian ski areas?
**Alex Reed:** It’s going to be a tough road ahead. Resorts need to adapt and become more sustainable. This means exploring alternative activities during the summer months to diversify income and investing in efficient snowmaking techniques. Ultimately, the future of Austrian skiing depends on a combination of innovation, resilience, and, of course, a bit of luck with the weather.
**Host:**
Thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights. Alex Reed: It was a pleasure.
