Are huge ski resorts killing the environment?
Plans have been unveiled to create several massive new ski areas in the Alps and the Pyrenees – despite fears that such developments could prove to be environmentally unfriendly. According to a report on the BBC News website, there are several major developments already completed, underway or being considered:
- The French resorts of La Plagne have been linked by a “double decker” cable car to create an area comprising 250 runs;
- There are plans afoot to link three Swiss resorts, Engleberg, Hasliberg and Melchsee-Frutt, with a requirement for eight new lifts and a tunnel;
- Two Italian regions, Vallee D’Aosta and Piedmont, have been linked by a new cable car; and
- Plans have been released to join the Pyrenean ski region of Grand Valira with the French resort of Porte Puymorens.
The BBC quotes Katie Joly, of Crystal Holidays, who says that the need for ever-bigger resorts is being driven by the needs of the skier. She reportedly said: “The first question skiers and snowboarders ask is how many lifts does the resort have and how many kilometres of runs. The resorts have to meet that need or people will simply go elsewhere.” But environmentalists warn that building such resorts is dangerous. Giles Privat, of the environmental group Mountain Wilderness, said: “The mountains are not a playground for people. They are a natural resource that should be respected and preserved. We build in them at our peril.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
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