Regional Mountain Conference

Despite the decades of heated debate about the environmental sustainability of ski tourism and its significant economic importance in some regions of the world, scientific research has so far paid little attention to its resource requirements and greenhouse gas emissions. This study presents the largest sample ever collected in a scientific investigation into snowmaking and slope preparation—covering a total of 41 ski areas in 4 countries in the Alps. Snowmaking accounts for 21 percent of the total costs of ski operations. 1 m³ of machine-made snow costs about EUR 3.90 in a full-cost calculation and requires 3.7 kWh of electricity. 42 % of a ski area’s total electricity consumption is used for snowmaking. Per skier visit, it requires 5.8 kWh of electrical energy and 900 liters of water, while 0.6 liters of diesel are spent on slope preparation. In an ideal scenario (hydropower-based electricity mix and HVO as a diesel substitute), about 500 grams of CO_2eq are emitted per skier visit for snowmaking, cable cars, lifts, buildings, and total fuel consumption. This paper aims to provide an objective framework for discussions regarding the ecological sustainability of skiing and to serve as a data foundation for future research.