Climate Study Strategy

STRATEGE – Strategies for a long-term expansion of tourist regions affected by global warming demonstrated by the example of the winter sports region Schladming
In charge: Prof. DI Dr. Ulrike Pröbstl, Universität für Bodenkultur (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna

The effects of the climate change on the Schladming winter sports region and strategies for action derived thereof are the focus of the research project called provision proVision-Projekt „STRATEGE“ financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research In conjunction with an interdisciplinary research team and partners from the cable railway industry (Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen Schladming, special association of cable railways), Prof. Dr. Ulrike Pröbstl from the Universität für Bodenkultur (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences) has been working on climate models, regional analyses and market research for the Schladming region.

The analysis of the climate data has clearly indicated climate changes for Schladming, too. Compared to the conditions prevalent in the 60s and 70s, in the period between 1988 and 2002, in January there was only 60 % of [the normal] snowfall. Unlike many global catastrophic scenarios painted for skiing regions with a low altitude, STRATEGE shows that, based on the favourable geographical location of the valley, winter sports can be done for the next decades, too. New approaches or strategies will be required by 2030.