Digitalisation & Innovation, Management & Tourism
Is hovering the new skiing?
By the end of this century, due to climate change, 13 percent of all ski slopes worldwide could disappear, according to a recent study by the University of Bayreuth.
Even in the outer regions of the Alps, significantly shorter (and correspondingly unprofitable) seasons are to be expected. By 2100, a 42 percent decrease in the days with snow cover is predicted. Even snow cannons will only be of limited use then.
The WORKSHOP ISCHGL (Austria), initiated by Günther Aloys, has delivered several ideas for winter tourism in the context of global warming over the past few years, including covered ski slopes and so-called “Downhill Bubbles”.
However, according to the former chairman of the Ischgl Tourism Association, it is also time to consider alternatives to classic skiing. Slope Gliding is one such alternative.
Slope Gliding in Summer
Of course, slope gliding would also be possible in the summer, potentially revitalizing local tourism year-round.
Balloons let guests hover
Instead of skiing, visitors are to glide downhill with balloons. The balloon cover should be transportable in a small bag and inflated with a cartridge in just a few seconds at the mountain station, according to the concept.
Finally, you float along the slope, occasionally touching the ground to steer the novel sports equipment. Günther Aloys recommends a feasibility study to address remaining questions about Slope Gliding, such as the balloon’s behavior in strong winds.
“One thing is certain: We will continue to have mountains and cable car systems in the future, but in lower-lying ski areas, they need to be used differently. Places like Ischgl will remain snow-sure for a long time, but elsewhere new approaches are needed,” emphasizes the hotelier.
About Günther Aloys
The Tyrolean has been an independent hotelier (Hotel Madlein and Hotel Elisabeth) since 1969. Aloys was also chairman of the Ischgl Tourism Association for ten years and a supervisory board member of Silvretta Seilbahn AG. His innovative measures significantly contributed to Ischgl becoming number one in the Alps in terms of occupancy and per capita income. He also produces the lifestyle drink “RICH Prosecco” and has been chairman of Workshop Ischgl since 1992. In this context, he has created a 350-page workbook full of creative ideas, innovations, and visions.
The synthesis of air and winter sports
Air and winter sports are already being combined. Athletically, for example, in heliskiing, and touristically in ballooning over snowy landscapes in ski regions. Günther Aloys aims to create a synthesis with his innovative idea, especially appealing to young people.
“We are definitely hitting the right nerve with the younger generation. Everything that drifts, glides, or flies is ‘in’,” explains the Tyrolean tourism pioneer.
Slope Gliding also fuels the idea of the Alpine Adventure Park, developed in the WORKSHOP ISCHGL.
“People need to feel: When I vacation in the Alps, I can have an experience. Not what we considered an experience 20 years ago, but what young people will consider an experience in 20 years,” emphasizes Günther Aloys, who once sparked the après-ski trend with the same mindset.
“We must not remain stuck in the past or chase trends – Austria and the Alpine region hold a leading role in winter tourism. If we want this to remain so, we need to regain our innovative strength.” The WORKSHOP ISCHGL aims to continue contributing to this effort.
