A Digital Solution for Snow Tourism Destinations Facing Climate Change
The Alpine region is undergoing significant environmental changes, with many small and medium-altitude snow tourism destinations (STDs) facing increasing challenges due to climate change. Declining snowfall and shorter ski seasons are forcing these communities to rethink their economic models and long-term sustainability.
To support this transition, the BeyondSnow project has developed the Resilience Decision-Making Digital Tool (Climate Resilience Tool)—a publicly accessible digital platform designed to help Alpine destinations assess risks, explore future scenarios, and implement sustainable adaptation strategies.
What is Climate Resilience Tool?
CLIMATE RESILIENCE TOOL is an innovative decision-support tool that translates the Resilience Adaptation Model (RAM) into an interactive, data-driven resource. Developed through a transnational collaboration involving six Alpine countries, Climate Resilience Tool provides communities, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders with the necessary insights to:
- Analyse future climate and socioeconomic scenarios
- Assess vulnerabilities and risks related to reduced snow coverage
- Develop sustainable transition strategies tailored to local needs
- Engage stakeholders in a participatory decision-making process
By integrating scientific climate models with real-world socioeconomic factors, Climate Resilience Tool enables Alpine destinations to proactively plan for a future less reliant on snow-dependent tourism.
Why is Climate Resilience Tool Important?
For decades, many Alpine communities have built their economies around winter sports and tourism. However, climate projections indicate that snow coverage will continue to decline, making it essential for destinations to diversify their tourism offerings. Without proactive adaptation measures, these communities risk economic downturns, infrastructure challenges, and declining visitor numbers.
Climate Resilience Tool provides a structured approach to climate resilience, ensuring that snow tourism destinations can:
- Identify and implement alternative tourism models
- Plan climate adaptation measures that align with regional policies
- Access a comprehensive database of best practices in resilience and sustainability
- Strengthen community engagement and ensure inclusive decision-making
How Can Communities Use CLIMATE RESILIENCE TOOL?
Climate Resilience Tool is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a broad audience, including local governments, tourism boards, and business owners. By inputting local data and exploring various climate scenarios, users can generate actionable insights to guide their adaptation strategies.
The tool is available free of charge, allowing widespread adoption across the Alpine region. By leveraging the capabilities of Climate Resilience Tool, communities can make informed, strategic decisions that ensure long-term economic stability while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Alpine landscape.
