Environmental groups are coming down on intrepid skiers and snowboarders that use helicopters to reach the best slopes far after ski season has ended. A growing campaign against heliskiing in Switzerland has begun to gain momentum as groups petition the government to ban the latest craze in the sport.
Each year, estimates say that averages of 15,000 helicopter flights are taken to glacier peaks by skiers looking for the most untouched runs. The practice has become a popular means to reach destinations inaccessible by cable cars or chair lifts.
However, local environmental groups are speaking out against the practice, saying that the fuel use and noise levels make the practice unjustified. France and Germany banned the practice already, and local groups want the Swiss government to follow suit.
Currently, there are 42 available landing sites in Switzerland for heliskiers. Campaigners against the practice are saying that many of these are in protected areas. However, heliskiing operators have said that many of these landing sites are mainly used for food deliveries and rescue teams. According to pro groups, banning heliskiing would only slightly reduce the number of helicopter flights to those areas.
Daniel Sulzer, head of Bohag, a helicopter company, said that heliskiing was not a large part of the flights conducted, but that it was an important part of the local economy. Another skier echoed the helicopter boss’ sentiments, saying that the flights are brief and that the area was relatively unpopulated.
The argument remains stuck at how accessible Alpine glaciers should be to tourists. However, many maintain that Alpine tourism is an important part of the Swiss economy.
|
|
