Green skiing

Skiing might be one of the worst ecological phenomena. But it is fun, creates a tight link with nature and is practised in wonderful areas.

The Economist cites a scientific article that gives unexpected benefits to the skiing industry: Yet a new study has revealed that certain ski slopes have unexpected ecological benefits .

Just back from a week of skiing, I remark some differences with then years ago:

* overuse of machines to compact snow

* which creates icy slopes

* on which fresh snow has little chance to remain

* disappearing moguls on slopes ("bosses")

Skiing has lost a lot of its fun over the years because of the industrialisation. Skiers used to come to the mountains because of respect for the area and other skiers. Over the years, this respect has disappeared, and the arrival of mass skiing has brought typical by-effects like speed chasing skiers, aggression on the slopes, crowded slopes and traffic jams around the lifts.

So skiing is losing a lot of its original attraction because of the industrialisation of the activity. Only a few ski resorts try to maintain a traditional character, and a balanced way of exploiting the mountains. And to be honest, I have the impression that American (Lake Tahoe, Vail, Aspen, Beaver Creek) resorts have been better in keeping a green balance than European resorts. The study cited above gives a first possible explanation: a different concept and construction of the slopes.