Ecological Damage Behind Ski Resorts and Feasible Governance Measures

Abstract

Construction of ski resorts involves machine-grading slopes, which alters the soil's physical, chemical, and biological qualities and has a substantial long-term ecological influence on the environment. To improve slope stability and reduce the risk of natural hazards and restore the biotic and abiotic conditions of the soil, it is important to establish and develop plant communities.  This study assesses changes in plant-soil characteristics and the long-term consequences of machine-grading and concurrent ski-run restoration to help create the best procedures for future ski-run development. Ski trails were surveyed for soil, vegetation and root characteristics and unaltered control sites away from the ski trails were evaluated. Plant cover on ski trails remained constant over time, but plant richness and variety significantly increased, reaching levels comparable to undisturbed vegetation. The plant mix transitioned to more semi-natural stages, exhibiting decreased planted plants and a corresponding rise in the cover of native species populating the area. Compared to unaffected locations, the root trait data showed significant differences between machine grading and vegetation’s short- and long-term effects. As a result of long-term management, the aggregate stability in the ski slopes remained lower as well as the organic content remained higher than in the undisturbed locations. Even though the soil still has a lower chemical and physical fertility than the quiet sites, the plant species composition indicates a satisfactory degree of renaturalization. The standard actions used allowed the ecosystem to recover in three decades partially.