Understanding Climate Change in Alpine Region Through Geo-Referenced Multi-factor Mapping of Ski Facilities and Over-Tourism

The exponential growth of winter tourism, which in the central-European Alpine Region is inseparable from the rise to mass practice of Alpine skiing, has fundamentally reshaped leisure practices and the Alpine landscape, transitioning from a recreational pursuit to a multi-billion dollar industry [1]. This evolution necessitated landscape modernisation efforts, with stakeholders including skiers, supply companies, local and foreign investors, regions and states collaborating to tailor the Alpine environment to skiing needs, fostering a predictable and profitable industry [2]. This transformation made a previously feared environment profitable and laid the foundations for the economic development of entire valleys [3]. However, it has not been without consequences. While intended to facilitate growth and profitability, interventions and technologies have paradoxically diminished skiing's appeal to specific segments of society due to the intense exploitation of natural resources, including landscape, which appears to be the most noticeable casualty [4]. This paper explores the ongoing changes in Italy's Alpine and Apennine regions, tracing the transition from landscape modifications for infrastructure development to contemporary challenges driven by structural abandonment, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate management practices [3]. Utilising a multi-practical approach, including visual aids such as maps and aerial photographs, this research aims to offer accessible insights into the phenomenon of mass skiing in Italy, shedding light on its historical trajectory, socio-economic impacts, and current challenges.