Winter sports activities take place in natural areas that also serve as habitats for numerous species of animals and plants that are sensitive to disturbances. These sports are practiced both in designated areas and in undeveloped areas. Targeted land-use and management plans ensure that ecological limits are not exceeded and that the impact on natural areas is regulated. SIS supports Nordic centers, training facilities, and event organizers through specialized ecological assessments and planning, and implements strategies to preserve biodiversity.
Projects: Mountain Nature
Kurzbeschreibung
Downhill skiing, ski touring, and snowshoeing take place in the higher elevations of Germany’s low mountain ranges and in the Alps, which also serve as habitats for numerous disturbance-sensitive animal species such as capercaillies, black grouse, and hoofed game. The brochure “Wildlife & Outdoor Activities in the Forest” provides an overview of the impact of selected outdoor sports on wildlife, as well as tips on how to enjoy the outdoors in a way that allows for harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
Projektpartner
Forstliche Versuchs- und Forschungsanstalt, Wildtierinstitut, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Education
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Development of a landscape information system for the Black Forest. Inventory and digitization of all spatial data related to winter sports and wildlife (cross-country ski trails, downhill slopes, ski lifts, wildlife populations, etc.) as a basis for analyzing and assessing the situation in the Black Forest.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Society & Social Issues
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers, Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
In collaboration with the Pro Natura Foundation and with funding from the FIS, an audit procedure for ski resorts was developed and tested in pilot areas in the D-A-CH region. This involved conducting a situation analysis, an ecological study, data preparation, pilot audits, and the development of a guideline. The guide, “Eco-Audit for Ski Areas / Auditing in Ski Areas: A Guide to Ecological Valorization,” enables the implementation of a standardized auditing procedure across the Alps.
Projektpartner
FIS; Stiftung Pro Natura
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The debate over the effects of snowmaking on vegetation on ski slopes remains a contentious issue even among experts. Since 1988, a long-term study has been conducted on the Kandarhar run (Garmisch-Partenkirchen), where the vegetation was first mapped even before the snowmaking system was built. Using transects, researchers analyzed primarily the nutrient-poor sites. Five years later, the areas—which had since been covered with artificial snow—were re-surveyed, and changes in the plant communities were evaluated. This series of experiments provides new insights for operators and regulatory agencies that are urgently needed for the assessment of planned projects in the Alpine region.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Surveys conducted in ski resorts in the late 1980s, as well as demand from specialty retailers, revealed that when restoring soil damage at high elevations, the seeds used generally do not correspond to the natural species composition. For this reason, seeding trials were conducted to test natural seed mixtures at various elevations and on different soil types. Special experimental plots were established in the Nebelhorn and Fellhorn ski areas near Oberstdorf, and their development was documented over a five-year period. The goal is to provide cable car and ski slope operators with practical guidance on the restoration of soil disturbances.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Since the early 1990s, ski resorts in Bavaria have been subject to review by the Bavarian State Office for Environmental Protection and the DSV Environmental Advisory Board. To obtain DSV recognition for the projects that had already been completed, the procedure was described in detail and the projects were presented to the Bavarian State Ministry of Regional Development and Environmental Affairs.
Projektpartner
Bayerische Landesamt fĂĽr Umweltschutz; DSV-Umweltbeirat
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Building on the numerous environmental studies conducted in ski resorts, an integrated assessment method was developed to evaluate environmental sustainability using transferable criteria. This method takes into account all types of land use and impacts affecting the ski resort. Using geographic information systems, this multi-stage process allows for the derivation and interpretation of detailed analyses, comprehensive visualizations, and assessments. The goal is to obtain transparent results for assessing the ecological stability of ski resorts, to identify areas in need of restoration, and to propose maintenance measures. The method has already been applied in the “Kampenwand” ski resort.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The mechanical stress placed on vegetation by ski edges and snowcats, as well as the high susceptibility to erosion at many sites, often make it difficult to re-vegetate damaged areas in ski resorts. Expensive seeds and mulch layers are frequently washed away by heavy rain. The use of geotextiles has significantly reduced surface erosion. In addition to seeding with various mixtures, the planting of site-appropriate grass sods and combined methods were also tested. The goal of these studies is not only to promote stable but, above all, near-natural plant communities in high-altitude mountain regions. The study was conducted in the ski resorts of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and at “Tegelberg.”
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
All winter sports areas remain habitats for wildlife to this day. Using the Black Forest as an example, a landscape information system is being developed that contains data on the distribution and habitat conditions of wildlife, as well as all land-use data related to winter sports. Potential conflict areas are being analyzed and assessed. Finally, guidelines are being developed to assess the wildlife ecological situation in cross-country skiing areas.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The ecological studies are based on a detailed survey of the ski resort, the vegetation, the nature and scope of construction activities, the condition of adjacent forests, damage on the slopes, and summer and winter use. The proposed restoration measures include adapted agricultural use, restoration of damaged areas, improved visitor management in the summer, and gentle slope maintenance. In addition, recommendations are made for the protection of alpine plant communities and valuable biotopes for grouse.
Ecological studies have already been conducted in the following ski areas:
1989 “Nebelhorn” ski resort;
1991 “Kampenwand” ski resort;
1991 “Tegelberg” ski resort;
1992 “Jenner” ski area;
1995 “Hochgrat” ski resort;
1995 “Sudelfeld” ski resort
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
In connection with the master plan for the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, the question arose as to how the core zones designated in this plan could be reconciled with the existing cross-country ski trail network and the preferred habitats of the capercaillie. Based on a conflict analysis focusing on wildlife and forest ecology, concrete measures were developed through an examination of the cross-country ski trail network, an assessment of snow reliability, a survey on the acceptance of individual trails, an analysis of transportation connections, and the development of an information system. The comprehensive catalog ranges from changes to the cross-country ski trail network and an information system to trail maintenance, regulations, closures, and recommendations for monitoring.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The Notschrei Training and Competition Center is located within an EU-designated bird sanctuary, which brings certain structural and sports-related considerations to the forefront of the modernization project. An assessment by a certified ornithologist was required. A comprehensive, site-specific, and viable plan for the modernization of the training and competition center was developed.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
Opinion polls on the topic of “The Environmental Impact of Cross-Country Skiers” in the Black Forest and studies of actual behavior.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
Kurzbeschreibung
Study of vegetation, soil, and hydrology (runoff and erosion measurements) at the Fahl Ski Center. Assessment of damage caused by off-piste skiers. Development of measures to minimize the environmental impact of skiing.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Compilation of the environmental resources at risk and development of appropriate parameters or metrics for assessing the environmental impact of snowmaking systems.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Snow Management, Mountain Nature
Kurzbeschreibung
Exemplary reforestation at high altitudes to protect the ski slope from avalanches and to divert off-piste skiers away from reforested areas and dwarf pine fields.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
This study examines, using two examples, the use of forest land for the construction of new ski runs. It derives general requirements for the ecological assessment and restoration of ski resorts, with particular emphasis on forest areas.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Almost simultaneously with the environmental review of ski resorts conducted by the DSV Environmental Advisory Board, the State Office for Environmental Protection also developed a procedure. At the initiative of the Ministry of the Environment, a comparison of the procedures was conducted. The goal of obtaining official recognition of its own procedure was achieved in the spring of 1994 during a final meeting with the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment.
Projektpartner
bayerisches Umweltministerium
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
In 1988, plant communities on the slope were surveyed in detail, both as a whole and along specific transects. This laid the groundwork for the first methodologically sound comparison of plant communities before and after snowmaking in the Bavarian Alps. After three years of snowmaking, a new survey was conducted in 1993. The data were compared and analyzed in 1993 and published in the spring of 1995.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Restoration of deteriorating high-altitude mountain forests to protect the ski areas below, using protective measures against snow slides and browsing by wildlife or grazing livestock. A staggered arrangement of small, fenced-in groups of retaining structures or plants.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Ecological and ergonomic analysis and design of the cross-country ski trails, with special consideration given to the presence of birch deer and a coherent traffic management plan
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature