Poor snow forcing Swiss ski resorts to rethink

Many Swiss ski resorts are dealing with a lack of snow because of relatively warm winter temperatures, and only those with artificial snow are managing to open ski slopes as usual. (RTS/swissinfo.ch)

Some of the higher resorts in the south-western canton of Valais are open for ski business. St Moritz in eastern Switzerland, with only 15cm of snow on its higher pistes, is issuing visitors with a list of 400 things to do if it does not snow, including skating and taking in a little local culture. The Rigi region in central Switzerland has a similar amount of snow – not enough to justify opening the lifts. Visitors are being urged to go for a walk instead.

This is the third Christmas season in a row with little or no snowfall. Tourism bosses are now wondering whether to abandon ski activities on lower slopes so they can concentrate their efforts on making money during the summer months instead.