Andreas Kipar on Ski Resorts in Podcast “Das weiße Gold wird grün”

Andreas Kipar contributed to Salto.BZ podcast series “Streitergasse”. The focus was on the environment, delving into the current debate about the future of ski resorts and featuring insights he shared with other two experts: cable car operator Markus Redl and homeland guardian Florian Trojer.

As modern ski resorts increasingly rely on artificial snowmaking, the stark reality is that within the next 30 years, the snow line will continue to move higher. This episode, hosted by SALTO (a South Tyrolian newspaper), brings together these experts to assess the situation urgently from various perspectives—those of ski lift operators, residents, tourists, and environmentalists.

In the discussion, led by journalist Anne Luther, Kipar emphasises the need for the economic sector and holidaymakers to rethink their approaches. “96 per cent of European citizens are looking for a new connection with nature,” says Kipar. He argues that neither nature nor tourists benefit from overcrowded hotspots. Kipar’s vision includes sustainable tourism practices that respect natural landscapes while providing a fulfilling experience for visitors.

One thing is clear: Once the subsidisation of old business models in ski tourism has had its day, attractive alternatives are needed.

The podcast is available on different platforms.