Regional Mountain Conference

Cross-country skiing destinations in mountainous regions are socially and culturally significant yet face increasing pressure to adapt and sustainably develop their infrastructure and management practices under climate change. This two-study project assesses the adaptive capacity and climate adaptation practices of German cross-country skiing destinations. The first study examines adaptive capacity to understand how destinations can respond to climate impacts and risks. Using survey data of operators from German cross-country skiing destinations (N=42), cross-country skiing-specific indicators were developed to assess key determinants of adaptive capacity. The data were normalized and aggregated into a composite adaptive capacity index, enabling comparisons across destinations. Results show that, apart from a few highly adaptive destinations, most exhibit moderate to low adaptive capacity. Major challenges relate to technology (e.g., snowmaking and snow farming), physical conditions (e.g., elevation and operating days), and access to climate data. However, many destinations display strengths in social capital, such as local networks and value creation, as well as tourism infrastructure that could support transformation processes.

The second study combines a climate analysis with semi-structured interviews at ten German cross-country skiing destinations to gain deeper insights into adaptation processes at the destination level. The destinations varied in location, size, infrastructure, and operating structures. The climate analysis examined projected changes in temperature, wet-bulb temperature, snow depth, and snowfall up to 2060 relative to the reference period 1986–2005. Interviews with destination managers addressed observed climate impacts, adaptation types, barriers and enabling factors, and future perspectives. Results indicate that small, low-elevation, club-managed destinations are most strongly affected and face the greatest challenges, whereas larger destinations – often managed by DMOs or independently – can respond more effectively. Adaptation is mainly incremental and planned, though planned measures often enable autonomous adaptation at the operational level. While larger destinations increasingly pursue transformational strategies such as activity diversification, smaller destinations remain largely confined to coping or incremental adaptation. Financial constraints accompany all adaptations, regardless of the destination or adaptation type.