Dachstein Glacier To Remain Shut This Season as Climate Change Takes its Toll
15th September 2022
Last modified on September 18th, 2022
The warm summer temperatures have reduced the size of the Austrian glacier. The lifts are now unstable as the ice has melted and the permafrost has been damaged. Large crevasses have also opened up.
The resort offers skiing & snowboarding on the glacier at 2,700m and usually opens in the autumn.
It is on the highest mountain in the province of Styria and near the ski resort of Schladming.
This summer there have been warm temperatures and rain, following reduced winter snowfall last season.
The freezing level was at 3,500m at times over the summer.
“There will be no autumn or winter skiing on the Dachstein this year,” said the area’s managing director, Georg Bliem.
Staff have been informed of the decision.
The move has been reported by Austrian media – Kleine Zeitung.
Schladming-Dachstein, Styria. Image © PlanetSKI
The resort is usually busiest in the autumn when few other resorts and ski areas are open.
Race teams, ski instructors in training and keen skiers usually head to its slopes in the autumn with skiing starting in October.
However large crevasses have opened up over the summer and the lift pylons would need to be moved to stabilise the lifts.
The cable car to the Dachstein will remain in full operation over the winter and the cross-country ski runs should be open later this month.
Ski touring will also be possible.
The ice palace, the stairs leading up to the panoramic viewpoint and the hilltop restaurant will also remain open.
The area says it will re-evaluate the situation in the Spring of 2023.
Related Articles:
- Climate change impacts adventure sports in the mountains
- Warnings of further glacier collapses as climate change makes mountains unstable
- Fresh warnings on alpine snow levels
- Austrian glaciers set to melt by end of the century
- Skiing, snowboarding and sustainability
Image c/o PlanetSKI
