Winter sports in need: ski areas are fighting for survival!

Winter sports in need: ski areas are fighting for survival!

Weyregg am Attersee, Österreich - climate change strikes mercilessly! Six winter sports areas in Europe must finally close the gates. The rising temperatures and economic challenges simply make the operation impossible. Particularly dramatic: A ski area in Germany is affected! Winter athletes are shocked because the 2024/2025 season will be the last for some regions.

In Austria it meets the Wachtberg ski area in Weyregg on Lake Attersee. A popular place for skiers since 1963 has now ended. The breakdown work of the lifts is already in full swing. Wolfgang Spießberger, who led the family business, said sadly: "It was no longer possible." A rescue attempt by the ski association failed due to disagreements with the landowner and the high investment costs. It also looks dark in France: Alpe du Grand Serre near Grenoble and La Sambuy are victims of the "green winter". The high costs for artificial snow and the economic pressure force the operators into their knees. Marie-Noëlle Battiste, MP of the municipal association, is combative: "It breaks our heart, but we don't give up."

Germany and France in focus!

Nothing remains in Germany either. The Jenner am Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land hers the skiing. A bitter pill after millions were only invested in the modernization a few years ago. Thomas Mühlthaler from Berchtesgadener Bergbahn AG explains: "The demand is simply no longer there." But there is hope: new winter offers such as tobogganing and winter hiking should cushion the loss. The cable car remains in operation all year round.

in France it also meets Le Grand Puy and Métabief. In Seyne-les-Alpes, 70 percent of the population voted to break down the ski lifts. Climate change makes the preservation of the slopes impossible. Métabief plans drastic restrictions: 30 percent of the slopes are to be closed. The Region wants to establish itself as a year -round holiday destination to compensate for the loss of jobs. Winter athletes have to prepare for a new reality!