Study Published On Development Of Natural Snow And Snowmaking Conditions In The Allgäu Ski Resorts
At an altitude of 1,020 meters, in the popular Allgäu family ski resort of Eschach, Dr. Andreas Gobiet of GeoSphere Austria presented the new study "Development of Natural Snow and Snowmaking Conditions in the Allgäu Ski Resorts," which was prepared in cooperation with the German Meteorological Service (DWD). The experts concluded that the Allgäu region will continue to offer suitable conditions for winter sports in many areas for decades to come. The study was commissioned by the Allgäu Mountain Railway Initiative (ABBI eV).
Skiing and snow sports will still be possible for the next 30 years.
The analysis predicts moderate climate changes for the period up to 2054. A temperature increase of 0.8 to 1.1°C is expected in winter. The duration of natural snow cover will decrease by approximately 15%, depending on altitude; for example, by 6% at around 1,600 m and by 20% at 900 m. The potential hours for artificial snowmaking in December will also decrease by approximately 20% in the valley station area.
As Dr. Gobiet explained, the wintery snowscape will remain largely intact for the next 30 years – both the natural snow cover and favorable conditions for artificial snowmaking. In the longer term, however, the achievement of global climate goals will be crucial. "In a favorable scenario, a stabilization of the climate and snow cover is possible in the long term. Without ambitious climate protection measures, however, snow conditions will be severely limited in the long run."
How Allgäu mountain railways assess the study
“The study's findings were no surprise to the mountain railway companies. For us, the crucial point is that we can compensate for these effects through efficient operations and targeted measures. Specifically, this means using the latest technology and thereby significantly reducing snowmaking times,” commented Ralf Speck, Chairman of Allgäu Tirol Bergwelt and Managing Director of Alpspitzbahn Nesselwang. Henrik Volpert, Board Member of Allgäuer Bergbahninitiative eV, Oberstdorfer Bergbahn AG & Nebelhornbahn AG, explained: “We believe our strategy positions us well in the region. Winter is important and will continue to be so, but thanks to technological advancements, we can respond even more flexibly with our offerings in the future.”
The climate study also examined so-called dry hiking days. These increase in autumn, winter, and spring. "These are opportunities for tourism beyond snow and during the transitional seasons," notes Gobiet, who acknowledges that the Allgäu stakeholders are pioneers in the Alpine region. "You're thinking about tourism year-round."
Showing the change: Progress map Allgäu
Allgäu stakeholders, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Ralf Roth from the German Sport University Cologne, have agreed on the Allgäu Way. This way is divided into three transformation areas, which are recorded on the Allgäu Progress Map: The panoramic map currently depicts 64 transformation projects, categorized according to the three altitude levels of the Allgäu and the three transformation areas: The focus is on the further development of the core offering of skiing, where it is sustainable and makes sense. Winter activities are complemented by winter hiking, health and cultural offerings, knowledge transfer, and culinary experiences. Honest communication highlights the simultaneous developments at different altitudes and forms the basis for this approach. The offerings demonstrate that Allgäu communities have already embraced the future. Roth attests to the Allgäu residents' responsible stewardship of a valuable living space: "We believe in winter in the Allgäu. Snow is a unique selling point and something we long for. Allgäu mountain railways are investing in the future to create unique experiences."
Dual strategy hybrid winter
Stefan Egenter, Managing Director of Allgäu GmbH, emphasizes the dual strategy: “We are on the right track with our Allgäu winter strategy. We are securing and developing the core offering around skiing and, at the same time, creating offers that provide attractive travel opportunities both with and without snow. We have to do one without neglecting the other.”
Tourism is an economic factor with high added value in winter.
The recently published study by the DWIF on tourism as an economic factor confirms its relevance: 23.6 million overnight stays and 38 million day trips generate a gross revenue of almost four billion euros and secure jobs that cannot be relocated. And this is true all year round: Only four percent of all travel destinations worldwide can offer year-round tourism like the Allgäu region.
Mountain railways are the driving force in winter tourism
Mountain railways are indispensable for a holiday region like the Allgäu: they increase its attractiveness and image, secure and create jobs, and significantly strengthen rural areas. This was the conclusion of a fundamental study conducted in 2023 by the German Institute for Tourism Research (dwif) at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. The study found that €1,000 in revenue from a single cable car generates €5,300 in revenue for the region (hotels, ski schools, restaurants, retail, trades, and services). The Montenius study, presented last year, confirmed this effect for the Allgäu mountain railways as well – in winter, the added value is even higher than in summer.
But winter is so much more than numbers. It's a feeling, a way of life.
Winter sports are an integral part of the Allgäu way of life. This is evident in the strong commitment of clubs and ski schools, as seen at the Schwärzenlifte family ski area in Eschach and the Frey ski school in Haslach: hundreds of children and their parents spend enjoyable days skiing together. The Schwärzenlifte ski area is now in its third generation of family ownership. Tourism in the Allgäu is more than just an economic driver – it guarantees a high quality of life, especially in rural areas.
