Italian Ski Resort to Reopen Despite Controversy Surrounding Artificial Snow and Climate Change
Controversy surrounds plans to reopen an Italian ski resort on snowless Monte San Primo, using artificial snow Environmental and sporting organizations are critical of the multimillion-dollar project, despite the potential boost to tourism
Italians excel in dreaming big and defying the odds. One example is the ongoing endeavor, dating back to the 1990s, to construct the world's longest suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Messina amidst Mafia territories. Another remarkable feat is the existence of Venice, a city built on a lagoon system. To safeguard this unique city from extreme weather, it took over two decades to develop mechanical flood gates.
Now, there is a new ambitious project on the horizon - building a ski facility on a mountain in northern Italy, despite the absence of snow.
Content Revision:
The stunning Monte San Primo, also known as the bald mountain, dominates the panoramic view from the northern tip of Lake Como. Standing at an impressive 1,682 meters (5,518 feet), it is a sight to behold. Nestled at its base is the charming cobblestone town of Bellagio, often referred to as the "pearl" of the lake. This picturesque location has attracted numerous A-list celebrities and affluent Russians, many of whom own opulent villas in the vicinity.
However, the tranquility of this mountain paradise has been disrupted since the city of Bellagio secured the support of national and regional authorities last year for a ski area project aimed at attracting winter tourists.
The cost of the plan is 5 million euros (approximately $5.4 million). It aims to develop a significant parking area, toboggan runs, and enhance the existing lifts in a region that used to be a popular ski destination 50 years ago. However, due to increased temperatures and reduced snowfall, winter sports activities were discontinued a decade ago.
The Lake Como town of Bellagio is among communities backing the reopening of ski facilities.
Matteo Colombo/Stone RF/Getty Images
Tourism dollars
While many locals support the idea of revitalizing the mountain's ski infrastructure to boost tourism revenue, environmental and sporting organizations have opposed the plans.
A coalition of 33 organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Italian Alpine Club, known as "Let's Save Monte Primo," has been advocating to stop the project and increase awareness about the environmental vulnerability of the mountains.
Roberto Fumagalli, the group's representative, emphasizes that there are more effective ways to invest 5 million euros into the region while still generating tourism income. He states that the group has been unsuccessful in their attempts to initiate discussions with the project's supporters, which include 31 local councils.
"We dont want to wait until we are out protesting the bulldozers," Fumagalli told CNN. "It would be more productive to sit down now."
Courtesy Elemental Adventure
Inside Turkeys hidden ski world
The group has various concerns regarding the proposed plans, spanning from environmental to logistical issues. Rather than renovating the parking lot, they strongly advocate for investing in public transportation in order to promote ecological sustainability. Additionally, instead of artificially restoring snow areas, they propose enhancing hiking trails as the shorter winters extend the hiking season.
Further concerns encompass the energy consumption associated with snow-making machines, potential damage to the mountain caused by the introduction of heavy equipment, and the possibility of the project becoming a financial burden to local taxpayers if it fails to generate enough revenue to sustain itself, particularly in comparison to nearby ski areas.
Fumagalli said the protest group could be willing to find a compromise, but only if the projects supporters are willing to have a dialogue.
Monte San Primo is popular year-round with hikers.
Mauritius Images GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo
Letter to George Clooney
"Weve sent registered letters, appeals, used social media, and no one ever responds," he added.
The group also reached out to Hollywood actor George Clooney, who resides in Lake Como, in hopes of a response. Despite not receiving any reply yet, they remain optimistic, especially considering Clooney's previous public statement in solidarity with the affected community when his property was affected by flooding in 2021.
The protest group highlights that the primary issue is the insufficient snowfall in Monte San Primo, despite its past as a popular skiing location. This is attributed to the increasing temperatures and frequent droughts caused by the climate crisis. Consequently, the mountain, now a popular hiking spot throughout the year, serves as a reminder of past unsuccessful attempts to promote traditional winter activities.
Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort switched to 100% green power for all its lifts, facilities and base operations in 2019.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
10 of the worlds most sustainable ski resorts
On the mountain, one can still discover remnants of the past such as old turnstiles, ski lift pillars, and even a map depicting pistes that no longer exist. The closure of the last ski lifts in the early 2010s was attributed to insufficient snow accumulation to sustain a ski season, especially given the proximity to the Alps and Dolomite ranges, where snowfall is guaranteed.
The future holds the potential for even scarcer snow due to the accelerating impact of the climate crisis. A recent study conducted by the non-governmental organization WaterAid, alongside Cardiff and Bristol universities in the UK, determined that extreme drought occurrences in northern Italy have doubled over the past twenty years. These episodes are interspersed with severe flooding, leading the region towards a climate resembling that of certain areas in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
The research highlights that both regions are experiencing a greater evaporation rate, possibly due to higher regional temperatures. This results in a quicker drying of the landscape between rainfall events. Definitely not suitable for skiing.
Officials in Bellagio city and the Lombardy region remain undeterred by the threat of water shortages. Their ingenious solution involves constructing an artificial lake and replenishing it with water. As outlined in the approved plans obtained by CNN, the authorities intend to harness this water source for the purpose of creating artificial snow using snow cannons.
Protesters gathered on the mountain in 2022, following what they say was the season's only significant snowfall.
Roberto Fumagalli
Relaunching tourist attractiveness
As well as the parking lot, toboggan runs and new lifts, the project includes the refurbishment of a long-abandoned hotel.
A "magic carpet" conveyor belt lift is also in the works, with supporters claiming it would have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional lifts since it wouldn't require deep digging into the landscape for foundations. They argue that the artificial lake would also benefit the community during the summer months and function as a reservoir for rainfall.
Angelo Barindelli, the mayor of Bellagios, has urged supporters not to be discouraged by critics. "This agreement is significant, with a total investment of 5 million euros. Now, our focus should be on starting the project promptly," he stated, as per his office.
Alessandro Fermo, the head of the Lombardy Regional Council, which also backs the plans, said protesters are out of line.
La Sambuy's chair lift, pictured here during warmer months.
Colin Michael Baker/Alamy Stock Photo
In a recent Facebook stream, he shared, "While I usually avoid getting involved in controversies, I feel compelled to speak out this time. Bringing resources to the area is a demanding and lengthy endeavor. A significant investment of 5 million euros is crucial to rejuvenate and enhance the region's appeal to tourists, both during the winter and summer seasons."
Despite the city's reluctance to engage in dialogue with the protesters and seek a compromise, the project's realization may be hindered by the well-known inefficiency of Italian bureaucracy. As evident from historical records, this bureaucracy has the potential to significantly delay even the most ambitiously optimistic plans for several decades.
The initial proposals for the Monte San Primo ski area were approved, and funding was committed in early 2022. However, the anticipated release of the first bids was scheduled for November of the preceding year.
To date, nothing has moved forward beyond the protests and the weather forecast, which does not include significant snow any time soon.
