Summer Glacier Skiing Amid Climate Change: What Does Production Transformation Mean For Sustainability?

Letnia Jazda Na Nartach Na Lodowcu W Obliczu Zmian Klimatycznych: Co Oznacza Transformacja Produkcji Dla Zrównoważonego Rozwoju?

Emmanuel Salim (), Jeanne Fournier, Abraham Ephraim Gerber, Emmanuel Fragnière and Leila Kebir
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Emmanuel Salim: UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne, CERTOP - Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir - UT2J - Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès - UT - Université de Toulouse - UT3 - Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier - UT - Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, ISTHIA - Institut supérieur du tourisme, de l'hôtellerie et de l'alimentation (Toulouse) - UT2J - Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès - UT - Université de Toulouse
Jeanne Fournier: UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne
Abraham Ephraim Gerber: HES-SO - Haute École spécialisée de Suisse occidentale = HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland = Fachhochschule Westschweiz [Schweiz]
Emmanuel Fragnière: HES-SO - Haute École spécialisée de Suisse occidentale = HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland = Fachhochschule Westschweiz [Schweiz]
Leila Kebir: UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne

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Abstract: This paper examines the impact of climate change on the sustainability of summer glacier skiing (SGS) in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Summer glacier skiing (SGS) is a niche tourism activity that is particularly vulnerable to climate change. This is evidenced by the notable reductions in snowpack and glacier retreat, which are affecting the viability of SGS. By applying the valuation system framework, the study examines the relationship between the production and consumption systems of SGS and how climate-induced transformations influence sustainability. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative approach, integrating fieldwork, direct observations, and semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, including tourism operators, local authorities, and ski athletes. The findings demonstrate that climate change intensifies the scarcity of resources, necessitating augmented investments in infrastructure and modifying consumer behaviour, which in turn affects the economic and environmental sustainability of the activity. Notwithstanding these challenges, the existence of institutional cooperation within Saas-Fee offers the region the opportunity to transition towards more sustainable practices. The paper emphasises the necessity for a comprehensive approach to comprehend and oversee the sustainability of SGS in the context of ongoing climate change.

Keywords: climate change; qualitative research; summer glacier skiing; sustainability; tourism adaptation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-10-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr and nep-env
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04789645v1
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Published in Eunomia, 2024, 2 (198), pp.27-40

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