Future of skiing in the Sauerland: Hope for snow despite challenges!

Future of skiing in the Sauerland: Hope for snow despite challenges!

Skiing has a high priority for many children in Schmallenberg, but the operators of the winter sports areas in the Sauerland are currently looking concerns into the future. Salamon, who spent many afternoons on the slopes with friends as a passionate skier, expresses his concerns about the closures of ski areas. This uncertainty as to whether skiing in the Sauerland will continue to exist is described by him as both a curse and a blessing. In particular, progressive global warming is a challenge that causes many ski areas to look for new solutions.

In order to ensure snow safety in winter, lift operators are increasingly relying on modern snowmaking technology. Christian Jungblut remembers the introduction of the first snow cannon 20 years ago; Today, five snow cannons and two snow lances are already causing a snow -covered descent. Young blood, who takes unpaid to preserve the skiing on his home slope, is optimistic: "I do not think that skiing will be over in three years."

The balance sheet winter season

The current winter season shows a mixed picture. Larger ski areas were able to operate their lifts on 60 to 70 days with artificial snow, while smaller lifts without snow cannons had significantly fewer options. Six hundred thousand tourists visited the Sauerland, which is somewhat below the numbers in front of Corona pandemic. The operators are satisfied despite the adverse circumstances, especially since the Winter Sport Arena Sauerland was founded in winter sports.

This winter was characterized by a milder climate. After frosty-cold temperatures in December, the existing snow melted almost completely due to warm wind and rain. All in all, there were only 27 days at least 20 cm natural snow, which severely restricted the operators of pure natural snow slopes; These could only offer skiing on 5 to 20 days.

sustainability and future prospects

Nevertheless, there are also opportunities through new ways of using energy. The ski areas have switched to green electricity in the past two years and are currently checking whether more electricity can be produced on site from wind power. These measures are part of a long -term strategy to keep winter sports in the Sauerland economically viable. The forecasts state that winter sports in this region will remain economically viable for the next 20 years.

The Winter Sports Arena Sauerland currently comprises 34 ski areas with a total of 126 lifts, which extend across the districts of Hochsauerland, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Olpe and in the Hessian community of Willingen. In two weeks, the first lifts will stop operating to switch to summer tourism. Nevertheless, winter tourism remains an indispensable part of the regional economy; Because this creates jobs in the hotel industry, gastronomy and retail and leads to significant investments in the infrastructure.

like WDR reports, modern technology ensures that the ski areas remain attractive even in unfavorable weather conditions. These investments and the focus on sustainable development enable the communities to benefit from the income of winter tourism even outside the main season.

A detailed look at the winter sports record in the Sauerland can be found in the article by daily ticket and in the comprehensive context of winter tourism, as by Ing presented.