When the snow melts

Vorarlberg, the westernmost region of Austria, features some of Europe’s most popular skiing resorts in its mountains. But with climate change, winters have become shorter and snowfall, essential for the functioning of this important part of the region’s economy, has become less predictable and less copious. With the accelerated warming and the disappearance of snow, the skiing resorts are beginning to lose their economic and cultural purpose.

Skiing seasons usually last from early November to as late as 1st May in the resorts situated in the highest mountains. This year, most resorts could not properly open until the beginning of January due to high temperatures and an almost complete lack of snow. By early April, they were already closed again.
Skiing seasons usually last from early November to as late as 1st May in the resorts situated in the highest mountains. This year, most resorts could not properly open until the beginning of January due to high temperatures and an almost complete lack of snow. By early April, they were already closed again.
At this farm between several ski lifts at the Bödele, tourists and skiers usually stop for lunch or a quick drink during a day spent on the slopes. Without skiers and too early for hikers, it is empty.
At this farm between several ski lifts at the Bödele, tourists and skiers usually stop for lunch or a quick drink during a day spent on the slopes. Without skiers and too early for hikers, it is empty.
One of the most popular ski lifts at the Bödele, the Oberlose-Lift. It closed after only 24 days of being open this winter, which is the shortest skiing season in its existence.
One of the most popular ski lifts at the Bödele, the Oberlose-Lift. It closed after only 24 days of being open this winter, which is the shortest skiing season in its existence.
The lack of snow is hitting mid-sized ski resorts such as the Bödele the hardest: they are not situated high enough above the sea level to have sufficient snow levels that could justify the use of snow cannons.
The lack of snow is hitting mid-sized ski resorts such as the Bödele the hardest: they are not situated high enough above the sea level to have sufficient snow levels that could justify the use of snow cannons.
At the Lank-Lift, about a hundred meters up from the Oberlose, the chairs normally carrying skiers up to the top of the slopes will be taken down soon to be stored away over summer. More snow is not expected.
At the Lank-Lift, about a hundred meters up from the Oberlose, the chairs normally carrying skiers up to the top of the slopes will be taken down soon to be stored away over summer. More snow is not expected.
Instead of skiers, the slopes of the Bödele now see locals walking their dogs and pushing prams with children to catch some spring sun.
Instead of skiers, the slopes of the Bödele now see locals walking their dogs and pushing prams with children to catch some spring sun.
In Mellau, a village some kilometres behind the Bödele, one of the region’s biggest and most popular ski resorts meets the valley. The cabins still transporting people up to the resort in the mountain towering above the valley float above already green meadows.
In Mellau, a village some kilometres behind the Bödele, one of the region’s biggest and most popular ski resorts meets the valley. The cabins still transporting people up to the resort in the mountain towering above the valley float above already green meadows.
Contrary to the valley where the lower station of the cabin lift is, some snow still remains on the mountain, allowing the resort to be open. Yet artificial snow from snow cannons is needed to make the experience more or less enjoyable for skiers.
Contrary to the valley where the lower station of the cabin lift is, some snow still remains on the mountain, allowing the resort to be open. Yet artificial snow from snow cannons is needed to make the experience more or less enjoyable for skiers.