Climate change turning life upside down at Swiss ski resorts

Switzerland is one of the most popular ski destinations in the world. The country is nestled in the Alps mountain range and has nearly 360 ski resorts. 

Skiing is the national sport. But it's more than just a past time - it's a key part of the country's national identity.

But there's trouble on the horizon. The United Nations' environmental agency says Switzerland is warming at about twice the global average, partly because its mountains trap heat. 

Switzerland's own data tells a similar story. Meteorology agency Meteo Swiss says January was unusually warm, with temperatures hovering more than 2 degrees Celsius above the average between 1990 and 2020.

‌Hotter temperatures mean less snow, and sometimes, less snow means less business. Many ski resorts haven't been able to open this year because of the conditions. 

Rüschegg Eywald is one of the resorts which has taken a knock. It was once a thriving getaway with ski lovers queuing to use its t-bar lift, which spans more than two kilometers. But this winter the lift is at a standstill. 

The resort hasn't been able to open even for a single day this winter. It stands 1,300 meters above sea level, but conditions were still too warm to generate enough snow. 

Marcel Hostettler was born in the area and runs a local ski company. He says he can't imagine life without snow on the slopes. "I hope we don't have to close in the next few years," says Hostettler. "My heart will be broken if it's closed."

Local resident Erika Wenger says it's sad that locals cannot use ski lifts in their neighborhood. "That's a big pity for us," says Wenger. "It was nice to go to an area which was very close and where the slopes are mostly prepared."

Rüschegg Eywald is part of the Gantrisch Nature Park, which includes six other ski facilities. All have fallen victim to climate change. 

Hostettler says he remains positive that snow will return to the region next year. Meanwhile, the resort plans to open more mountain bike trails to attract people back to the area. 

The Gantrisch Nature Park is also preparing 'to make the best of it', saying it will promote the area's natural beauty, and encourage people to enjoy its mineral springs and hiking trails.

But finding a 'Plan B' is sometimes easier said than done. The area around Rüschegg Eywald is protected, so hotels and resorts cannot promote activities that might damage the environment.  

There are clear signs that the Swiss tourism industry will have to adapt to climate change. The challenge will be to make that transition as smooth as the snow-covered slopes which are fast becoming a distant memory.  

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Cover image: Switzerland is famous for its skiing culture, but climate change is posing challenges for its resorts./Fabrice Coffrini/CFP