Alpine Ski Resorts |
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Alpine ski facilities must take great care to avoid harming what are among
the most fragile of all geographical sites. Mountain slopes and valleys not
only have short growing seasons, they can be prone to erosion, avalanche and
landslide.
- Habitat destruction: The number of undeveloped alpine locations has shrunk
dramatically since the popularization of alpine skiing this century. To preserve
what remains, existing courses must limit their future growth and conservation
authorities should implement strict measures for both existing and planned
developments. In many regions, a freeze on additional development is the only
solution.
- Flora and fauna: The impact on flora and fauna can be reduced only through
great care in the siting of resorts, ski runs, lifts and other facilities
and equipment. Machine operation practices, as well as skiers' habits, should
be reviewed with an eye to restricting damaging behaviour.
- Water conservation: Consumption of water both by resorts (accommodation,
day facilities and restaurants) and especially snow-making equipment typically
exceeds the local supply. To avoid draining water tables and placing too great
a demand on surface water sources (lakes and streams):
- select snow-making machinery which uses as little as one-fifth the water
as earlier versions - limit the amount of snow-making during dry seasons
- install water conservation devices within all resort facilities
- recycle "grey" water for suitable uses such as toilet flushing
- Water quality: Minimize water pollution through careful choice of cleaning
products and other chemicals, emphasizing less-harmful alternatives and the
appropriate disposal of hazardous materials. Also, ensure that machine maintenance
follows strict guidelines for avoiding spills.
- Chemicals: Eliminate the use of harmful or bio-accumulative snow-hardening
chemicals. These pollute soil and water, and inhibit recovery for vegetation
on some slopes by retaining snow long into the spring. The subsequent death
of vegetation will increase the likelihood of erosion and even landslides.
- Noise: Limit the use of amplified sound systems and operate snow-guns for
as brief a period as possible.
- Energy consumption: Examine the possibilities for reducing energy demand
through better insulation and heating systems, more efficient appliances,
machinery and lighting, and improved snow-making equipment.
- Light pollution: Select systems which minimize "wasted" light,
redirect lighting, dim lights during maintenance periods and extinguish lights
when runs are not in use.
- Marketing of eco-tourism: Resorts which have made legitimate strides to
"green" their operations should capitalize on this fact by designing
and marketing eco-tourism ski packages.
