Human-induced climate change is a fact, and the effects of global warming are already being felt in the Alpine region and the German low mountain ranges. Winter sports are outdoor sports and, as such, are closely linked to their environment and natural conditions. We take climate change seriously and are addressing its consequences and the options available to us for taking action. National and international frameworks serve as our guidelines, and close collaboration with climate impact research is essential. We promote and initiate scientific exchange to establish concrete facts and a solid knowledge base. In translating this into practice, we implement concrete measures for climate protection and adaptation within our areas of responsibility and raise awareness of environmentally conscious behavior.
Projects: Climate Change
Kurzbeschreibung
The Climate.Sports.Snow Expert Forum examines the future of snow sports from a climate science perspective. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the forum aims to analyze challenges, identify opportunities, and develop strategies for the sustainable development of snow sports. In total, more than 20 authors from 14 scientific institutions are contributing to the forum, helping to present the current state of research from their respective disciplines and perspectives. The key findings and recommendations for action are continuously documented in position papers.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Climate Change, Dialog, Expert Network
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures
Kurzbeschreibung
The reporting serves to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of the German Ski Association, Snowboard Germany, Freunde des Skisports, and the Foundation for Safety in Skiing (SIS). It is part of the 2040 Sustainability Strategy within the Climate & Energy action area and also serves as a binding basis for the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.
Projektpartner
Öko Institut e.V.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS, SNBGER, DSV Active
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Associations | House of Ski
- Topic
- Climate Change
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures
Kurzbeschreibung
HVO is an alternative fuel derived from biogenic resources that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels. A multi-year supply partnership was established with Avia to provide HVO for use in slope grooming vehicles, snowcats, and temporary heating systems at DSV national training centers.
Projektpartner
Avia
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Climate Change
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures
Kurzbeschreibung
The development of year-round strategies for national training centers and clubs is necessary to adapt these facilities to changing sociodemographic and climatic conditions and thereby ensure a sustainable future. SIS advises and supports operators of training facilities in their forward-looking transformation.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Climate Change
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
During the 2024–25 season, pellet heating systems were used to heat the temporary tents at the World Cup events in Ruhpolding, Oberhof, and Schonach. This allowed various tents (press, VIP, teams, fans) to be heated in a climate-friendly manner. The goal for the coming seasons is to expand this system further and optimize its use.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- DSV
- Focus
- Sustainability, Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- Climate Change, World Cup events
- SDG
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Kurzbeschreibung
The GIS-KliSchee project provides high-resolution data on local snow potential using satellite imagery, climate measurement data, and regional climate model simulations. The data is integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) and linked with information on existing infrastructure, ecological priority areas, and economic parameters. This creates an expert system that enables the preparation of investment decisions and recommends different adaptation strategies based on snow potential. The project promotes the adaptability of winter sports tourism in Germany’s low mountain ranges to climate change and weather variability.
Projektpartner
BMBF-Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Snow Management, Climate Change
- SDG
- SDG 13: Climate Action Measures