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Is this the future of alpine skiing? A white band in Adelboden, taken on January 7, 2023.
Mathias Germannreporter sports
It’s an image that sticks. A white ribbon runs from start to finish in Adelboden. winter mood? No, there was no sign of that on the Chuenisbärgli – the athletes’ show and the fans’ party didn’t help much either. The question inevitably arises as to whether skiing will still be possible in the future.
10 days before World Cup weekend: This is how it currently looks on the Chuenisbärgli(01:19)
«In the next 30 years, winter sports will not be in danger thanks to technical snow production. But towards the end of the 21st century it is. There will still be snow then, but even intensive artificial snow production will no longer be sufficient to compensate for the lack of natural snow,” says Fabian Wolfsperger.
The sports engineer works at the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos and has been dealing with the development of snow conditions in the Alps for years. He predicts: “What will change in the coming decades is the widespread availability of snow for everyone. By 2050, a snow reduction of around 70 percent is expected in the lowlands, and in medium-altitude areas such as Adelboden, 40 percent of the snow depth that is currently usual will be lost.” The problems: It’s getting warmer and warmer, and there’s less and less snow – you have to come to terms with this reality. Fighting it is almost impossible. “Only societal climate protection measures help,” says Wolfsperger.
Customization of the calendar? “Sensible”
Back to the Ski World Cup. Adelboden was not the only one struggling with excessively high temperatures. A total of eleven men’s and women’s races had to be canceled or postponed this season – almost all of them because there wasn’t enough snow. Above all, the glacier races at the foot of the Matterhorn, which should have taken place at the end of October (men) and beginning of November (women), gave a lot to talk about. In the finish area at 2865 meters it was so warm that no artificial snow could be produced.
«The ski industry, sponsors and partners need an early start to the season»Diego Züger, Deputy Managing Director of Swiss Ski
Voices were raised that called for an adjustment to the World Cup calendar – one should start later, but drive until April or May. “From a climatic point of view, that would definitely make sense. In April there is simply more snow in Bergen than in December because it accumulates throughout the winter,” says Wolfsperger.
Avoid long interruptions
The problem with this idea: The World Cup acts as a driving force for many to get on the skis themselves. This happens at the start of winter. However, as soon as spring is in the air, many lose interest in winter sports. Diego Züger, deputy managing director of Swiss-Ski, says: “It is important for the ski industry, sponsors and partners that races take place at the end of October or at the latest at the beginning of November. From our point of view, it would be possible to postpone the start of the World Cup by a week or two, but it would definitely be too late to start the season in December.”
At the same time, Züger emphasizes that the races should be scheduled in such a way that there is as good a chance as possible that they can also be held. “From a marketing point of view, a product without long breaks makes sense, although this does not rule out the possibility of a weekend break.”
Attention ski fans! Now quiz and type races
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!