Hot weather created a problem in Switzerland
In the Swiss Alps, where record low temperatures are recorded at this time of year under normal conditions, the lack of sufficient snowfall this year continues to be a problem for skiers and ski resort operators.
With the effect of climate change, temperatures were seen to be above seasonal norms in Europe, especially in the early days of the year, with some locations experiencing temperatures in excess of 20 degrees.
While Europeans were enjoying the sunny and warm weather in January, this image had a negative impact on ski tourism in Switzerland.
While unusual seasonal temperature was experienced in the Swiss Alps, on January 1, “the highest January temperature ever” was recorded in the northern Alps at 20.9 degrees.
The lack of snow in the Alps caused the closure of the lifts, especially in the lower areas, and directed tourists who want to ski to the higher slopes.
Some companies in Switzerland have opened summer cycling tracks instead of winter sports areas.
Photo: AA
WORLD SNOW FESTIVAL CANCELED
Some ski resorts in the Splügen-Tambo region, in the canton of Grisons, have decided to close until further notice due to lack of snow, heavy rain and high temperatures.
The Swiss Federal Office for Climate and Weather Science announced that high temperatures are expected to continue, with heat waves coming from the west and southwest.
While snowfall is seen in the mountains above 2,000 meters, the lower regions did not receive enough snowfall this year.
The World Snow Festival, which traditionally takes place every year in the town of Grindelwald in the city of Bern, has also been cancelled.
The officials stated that they tried to hold the festival until the last moment, but had to give up.
TOURISTS INCREASE BUT…
Despite the warm weather, tourism in Switzerland maintained its vitality over Christmas and New Year, while the rate of accommodation in holiday villages increased by 3 percent compared to the previous year, with the effect of tourists foreign.
However, the number of skiers going to the Alps decreased by 8 percent.
According to information received from a hotel owner, this year the turnover of hotels with ski resorts below 1800 meters has decreased.
The lack of sufficient snow on the ski slopes of the hotels at this height paralyzed ski tourism.
Ski lovers prefer hotels located above 2000 meters to use the ski slopes and cable cars.
The United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that the temperature trend, which has been out of season so far, continues. (AA)