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The helicopter help caused a lot of criticism. Well-known names from science and politics also spoke.
Marian NadlerEditor News
The ski area managers of Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland want to keep their ski slopes open by all means. When the snow cannons were no longer of any help, the decision was made to fly in the snow by helicopter and make snow on the slopes from the air. Now criticism of the helicopter mission is loud.
ETH researcher Reto Knutti, who grew up in Gstaad, is not enthusiastic about the campaign. “It doesn’t make ecological sense and doesn’t do much either,” the scientist explained to Blick.
Bergbahn CEO Matthias In-Albon had already admitted on Thursday to the Bern online medium “Capital” that the helicopter mission was a failure. No wonder for ETH researcher Knutti. In general, the operators would have to think about how things will continue in the future.
«Ski tourism must finally think about how to become more sustainable»
Snow is only guaranteed at higher altitudes. Underneath, one should not close one’s eyes to reality. In Gstaad and other lower-lying ski areas, there is no longer a need for new ski lifts, but rather a diverse range of offers for tourists that are adapted to the conditions.
“Ski tourism must finally think about how to become more sustainable and tackle the real challenges posed by climate change,” demanded Knutti.
“Climate change is not a pipe dream that will happen somewhere in the world in the distant future. It’s happening here and now.”Reto Knutti, ETH climate researcher
In an interview with Blick on Tuesday, Knutti had already urgently warned of the consequences of climate change.
Criticism from science on snow heli use in Gstaad
“If you think it can’t get any worse and more absurd, Gstaad comes along,” tweeted GLP politician and Zurich municipal councilor Serap Kahriman (32). Her tip: “Don’t fight the symptoms, but fight the causes.”
Snow flown on runway: That’s what Gstaad Bergbahnen CEO says about the helicopter criticism(02:56)
The scientist Patrik Winiger from the Paul Scherrer Institute reacted sarcastically to the news from the Nobel spa town of Bern. «How big is the CO₂ footprint of snow transported by helicopter? Question for a Swiss community ‹which respects the responsible use of resources›», he comments on the Schnee-Heli message.
Blick readers want to do without winter sports
The Blick readers also reacted to the news from Gstaad with outrage. “You would have to intervene and hand out fines that make the walls shake,” says Sepp Toni, for example. «Absolute madness and nonsense! Everywhere you are asked to work for the climate and then something like that?” he wonders.
“From a certain income, the environment doesn’t seem to matter anymore,” says Köbi Schnyder. For Heidi Zbinden, the barrel is full: “Snow with a helicopter in constant use, so that a few aloof influencers can babble about the ‘dreamy Gstaad'”. She is surprised that the municipality does not stop the snow heli.
Michael Lang even wants to give up skiing altogether. “I’d rather not do winter sports than be active under such conditions.” (nad)