BeyondSnow, Interreg Alpine Space

Many small and medium-sized ski resorts at lower and mid-altitudes in the Alps are grappling with existential questions, largely due to climate change. Rising temperatures are shortening the winter season, and forecasts suggest the situation will worsen. For regions reliant on winter tourism, this presents a significant threat, impacting not only the economic status of businesses but also the socioeconomic fabric of entire communities. Many current practices used by ski resorts to extend the winter season, such as artificial snowmaking, consume large amounts of energy and water, are environmentally unsustainable, and further contribute to the negative impacts on the environment, ultimately exacerbating climate change.

As part of the Beyond Snow project, partners from six Alpine countries will develop models for future climate conditions in the Alps, focusing on snow conditions, based on climate models. Partners will seek sustainable solutions for the transition of small and medium-sized ski resorts towards more environmentally friendly practices, taking into account all cultural and natural characteristics and expanding the tourist season to all year-round. The findings will be implemented in pilot areas where project partners will raise awareness about the issues, seek solutions, and take initial steps in adapting to the upcoming conditions within their local areas and with key stakeholders.

The total value of the Beyond Snow project is 2,720,729.99 € with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contributing 1,944,472.49 €.

The value of the project for the Upper Gorenjska Development Agency is 131,650.00 € with ERDF co-financing of  98,737.50 € (75%).

Photo: Andrea Omizzolo (Eurac Research), Michele Maggi (Legambiente Lombardia), Miha Markelj (Javni zavod Ratitovec), facebook page BeyondSnow_Alps and RAGOR archive.