Alpine ski resorts in Switzerland are exploring ways to adapt their winter infrastructure to address growing summer wildfire risks as the region experiences changing climate conditions. Adelboden-Lenk, a mid-altitude ski resort in the Bernese Oberland, is examining how its extensive snowmaking network could assist firefighting operations during the warmer months.
The resort’s snowmaking system is substantial, comprising 210 snow cannons, 50 snow lances, and dozens of kilometers of underground water pipes. These pipelines and associated reservoirs were designed to collect rainfall and melting snow for use in artificial snow production during ski seasons. Resort officials suggest that during wildfires, the infrastructure could be repurposed to create wet buffer zones that slow fire advance and provide support to emergency services. Water reservoirs could also serve as refilling points for firefighting helicopters.
This adaptation reflects broader challenges facing Alpine skiing. Glaciers throughout the Alps have retreated significantly in recent years, and snowfall has become less predictable. At Adelboden-Lenk, approximately 70% of the snow on its slopes is now artificially produced, making reliable water access essential for winter operations. The resort spans altitudes between 1,000 and 2,300 meters.
While Switzerland has not experienced large-scale wildfires comparable to some neighboring countries this year, authorities assess wildfire risk as high across nearly the entire nation, including the Bern region. Local officials acknowledge that summer conditions are increasingly challenging, with extended drought periods beginning as early as spring. Stefan Buchs, the resort’s operations manager, noted that regional vegetation patterns and soil conditions differ from southern Europe, but widespread wildfires remain a plausible scenario.
However, environmental experts urge caution about the long-term effectiveness of such measures. Nathan Solothurnmann, a climate change specialist with Greenpeace, noted that while the Adelboden system may provide temporary assistance, such adaptations cannot address the fundamental challenges posed by changing climate patterns. He also pointed out that most Swiss regions lack underground pipe infrastructure that could be similarly repurposed for firefighting.
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