By the end of the century, 13 percent of all ski slopes worldwide might disappear due to climate change. This was the conclusion of a recently published study by the University of Bayreuth. The outer areas of the Alps would also be affected: By 2100, the number of days with closed snow cover is predicted to fall by 42 percent. Even snow cannons would only be of limited use. In recent years, prominent hotelier Günther Aloys and the Ischgl Workshop, which he founded, have come up with several concepts for making winter tourism viable in the face of global warming, including covered ski slopes, so-called "downhill bubbles". However, according to Aloys, it is also time to consider innovative alternatives to traditional skiing. Slope gliding is one such approach.

Lighter than Air

© Workshop Ischgl

The idea entails guests gliding down into the valley suspended from balloons – instead of on skis. The balloons would be transported in a small bag on the way up, and then inflated at the mountain station in just a few seconds using a cartridge. Afterward, you would float downward along the slope, occasionally touching the ground to steer.
Aloys recommends conducting a feasibility study to clarify any remaining questions about slope gliding, such as the behavior of the balloon in strong winds. "One thing is certain: we will still have mountains and cable cars in the future, but we will have to use them differently in low-lying ski areas," Aloys states. "Places like Ischgl will continue to enjoy guaranteed snow for a long time to come, but new approaches are needed elsewhere."
It is also intended to fuel the idea of the Alpine adventure park. "People need to have the feeling: When I go on vacation in the Alps, I can experience something. Not what we perceived as an experience 20 years ago, but what young people will perceive as an experience in 20 years' time," emphasizes Aloys, who once helped trigger the après-ski trend with the same attitude. "We mustn't get stuck in the past or chase trends - Austria and the Alpine region have a leading role in winter tourism. If we want it to stay that way, we have to regain our innovative strength."

Web: workshopischgl.com