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Systems thinking to adapt tourism to climate change: Application to summer glacier skiing in Switzerland

Author

Listed:
  • Ephraim Gerber

    (HES-SO - Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale)

  • Jeanne Fournier

    (UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne)

  • Emmanuel Salim

    (UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne, ISTHIA - Institut supérieur du tourisme, de l'hôtellerie et de l'alimentation (Toulouse) - UT2J - Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès - UT - Université de Toulouse, CERTOP - Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir - UT2J - Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès - UT - Université de Toulouse - UT3 - Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier - UT - Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Emmanuel Fragnière

    (HES-SO - Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale)

  • Leïla Kebir

    (UNIL - Université de Lausanne = University of Lausanne)

Abstract

Climate change affects mountain tourism and summer glacier skiing, a highly vulnerable activity. This paper explores the complex dynamics affecting summer glacier skiing in Swiss Alpine destinations. The methodology involved conducting 26 semi-structured interviews followed by three workshops with tourism stakeholders. Applying systems thinking, this research highlights the challenges faced by summer glacier skiing destinations and the ongoing commitment required amid evolving cryosphere dynamics. Sustaining summer glacier skiing touches on vulnerability factors in climatic and socioeconomic dimensions. The disappearance of the activity has implications for the cable car companies, the hospitality sector and the wider mountain tourism industry. The systems thinking approach in this research reveals feedback loops and leverage points, such as uncertainties about the future of the activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Ephraim Gerber & Jeanne Fournier & Emmanuel Salim & Emmanuel Fragnière & Leïla Kebir, 2025. "Systems thinking to adapt tourism to climate change: Application to summer glacier skiing in Switzerland," Post-Print halshs-04988414, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-04988414
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annale.2025.100172
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04988414v1
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