22 Nov An Alpine climate change question

You may have seen some negative press around Alpine climate change and the management of snow for the ski World Cup in Zermatt recently. Some journalists went to report on the downhill races around the Matterhorn and noticed grooming machines taking snow from the glacier to push onto the ski slopes.

This has caused questions to be asked by environmentalists, mountain lovers and ski enthusiasts, and rightly so. The Theodul glacier is a beautiful and ecologically important part of the peaks surrounding Zermatt, and it can be an unwelcome surprise to find heavy machinery up there. The fact is, this practice is not new and is generally authorized. However, as I could see what the worry was, I contacted my snow doctor about this episode for an expert’s take on the situation.

The snow doctor speaks

Of course, with Alpine climate change on our minds these photos of diggers scooping snow from a centuries-old glacier has raised the hackles of many around the world. So it was interesting to hear the comments of our snow expert, Robert. Remember, this is a man who writes computer programs about snow. He can calculate how snow moves, falls and how its effects on the environment affect us. He has a PhD in snow forecasting and plays a central role in weather-based decisions for the region. These include when to close roads through the mountains during heavy snowfall. He has spent decades dedicating his research to snow on the European Alps. So if anyone should know whether this incident was safe for the environment or not, it’s Robert. And for him, this moving of the snow from a glacier to a nearby ski piste has little to no effect on the melting or reducing the snow content in general.

He then went on to baffle me with a list of numbers to prove it. What has stayed with me was that the whole episode was a storm in a teacup. There is no threat to the glaciers or the snow melt in the Alps. It does, however, highlight how quickly misinformation propagates. I am often gobsmacked at the articles out there on skiing, ski resorts, snow conditions and Alpine climate change. Media outlets often jump on the climate bandwagon to gain clicks before undergoing the necessary research for a balanced view. Thankfully, we know just who to ask for an expert opinion and are happy to share our take with you.

We know more…

If you’re ever unsure about Alpine news or want to hear an expert opinion, we are here. Alpine climate change is a huge concern to us and our livelihoods, so we value evidence-based science and expert opinion over appearances. To find out the real deal in the areas that we operate in, where Switzerland, Italy and France touch each other, please reach out. We would much prefer for our guests to have the inside scoop on what is going on in the Alps from highly qualified local experts.

Warm regards from the mountains

Danielle