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

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.