Staffordshire University graduate Rachael Carver and Professor Fiona Tweed investigate the impacts of melting snow and ice on the future of tourism in a new paper published in Geography.
The article is based on field research that Rachael undertook in the European Alps for her dissertation and highlights how resorts are introducing a range of measures to prolong the ski season including glacier blankets and artificial snow.
BSc (Hons) Geography graduate Rachael explained: “At university I developed a passion for understanding human interaction with the environment and the importance of climate change.
“I visited the Stubai Glacier in Austria on holiday and was intrigued by the fact that they were trying to conserve the ski industry. It left me asking lots of questions so I decided to go back and learn more.”
The site uses protective blankets to reduce ice melting and wind erosion. It is also slowly transitioning from winter to summer tourism with new attractions including playgrounds and viewing platforms.
Read more at: Staffordshire University
Rachael Carver conducted her dissertation research in the Austrian Alps (Photo Credit: Rachael Carver)