The role of Alpine Summer Parks in the development of ski destinations

Summary of this study

Ski resorts are under pressure from climate change because snow reliability is decreasing and winters are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Many ski resorts are therefore looking for new ways to remain attractive outside the winter season. One solution that is becoming increasingly important is Alpine Summer Parks (ASP).

These are leisure parks in the mountains that are accessible free of charge and offer, for example, water worlds, bike trails or learning and adventure trails. They make sensible use of the existing infrastructure of ski resorts in summer too.

The study used interviews and surveys of ski resort operators to investigate this:

• How important summer use and specifically ASPs are to operators,
• The motivation behind the opening of ASPs,
• How operators view the influence of climate change on their decisions.

The result:Although summer operation is still considered less important overall, many recognize the great potential for the future. ASPs in particular are seen as an important investment to attract new groups of guests - especially families - and increase revenue. At the same time, they help to create year-round jobs and revitalize mountain gastronomy in summer too.

It is interesting to note that even if climate change was often not directly addressed in open discussions, operators clearly see in anonymous surveys that the seasons are shifting - summer is getting longer, winter shorter. ASPs are therefore also perceived as an opportunity to respond to climate change and secure the future of mountain regions.

Conclusion: Alpine Summer Parks alone will not replace winter tourism, but they are an important component in strengthening the attractiveness of Alpine regions all year round.

Findings of this study

• Alpine Summer Parks increase summer frequency:
  Targeted attractions such as bike trails or water features can attract new groups of guests and significantly increase visitor numbers in the summer season.
• Make double use of existing infrastructure:
  The existing lifts, restaurants and reservoirs can also be put to good use in summer, increasing the profitability of the ski area.
• Offers for families are crucial:
  Without special summer offers such as Alpine Summer Parks, families with children can hardly be motivated to go hiking - child-friendly experiences are a must.
• Year-round jobs create loyalty:
  ASPs make it possible to employ staff in the summer too, which strengthens employee loyalty and makes it easier to find skilled workers.
• Using climate change as an opportunity:
  The extension of the summer season due to rising temperatures offers a real opportunity to increase focus on the summer season.