The impact of tourism in the European Alps

Tourism poses very direct threats to biodiversity: among them foremost is the disturbance to wildlife, by modern adventure outdoor sports (mountain-biking, canyoning or paragliding) or motor-based leisure activities, which often interest areas previously untouched by tourism.

However, the most ecologically devastating form of leisure industry is the one connected with winter ski tourism. 

Currently there are about 300 ski areas throughout the Alps with about 10,000 transport facilities serving more than 3400 km² of ski areas.

The construction of ski runs causes irreparable damage to the landscape. The increasing use of snow canons sets off additional problems by their use of water, energy and chemical and biological additives.

Tourism is also a strong driving force behind urbanization: Tourist buildings and the growing number of inhabitants with their need for space and infrastructure make for more extended settlements even in relatively remote areas.

Large tourist resorts present an area consumption rate that is far bigger than that of a non-tourist community.

The worst indirect tourism-related threat is the increase in motor traffic, especially in remote and sensitive elevated areas.