“Are no ski halls in Dubai”

WHEN & WHERE: There are forecasts that ski areas below 1500 meters could disappear in a few years. How do you assess the development here?

Christian Schutzinger: As early as 2014, we carried out analyzes on this topic as part of a climate change adaptation strategy. It has been shown that the lower-lying ski areas will come under even more pressure in the future. On the other hand, at higher altitudes, which can rely on good snow management, there should be a reverse effect and demand will increase. At this point I would also like to make it clear that the climate change adaptation strategy is about adapting to climatic changes on the one hand, and on the other hand doing as much as possible to prevent climate change from becoming even worse. This is the basic attitude with which we must work as we look to the future.

WHEN & WHERE: In Switzerland, snow was recently transported to a ski area by helicopter – anything but a climate-friendly measure. So something like that is unthinkable in the country?

Christian Schutzinger: I understand that in certain situations – for example to hold a ski race – measures are taken that would not be understood in normal leisure activities. But I am very glad that something like this is not up for debate in this country. Because even in a phase like the current one, we can still offer very good skiing. And it’s just the way it is. The Alps aren’t Disneyland where you put a glass dome over them and turn on the air conditioning. And we’re not a ski hall in Dubai either. It is therefore very important that we deal with adaptation strategies.

WHEN & WHERE: In the future, the Ländle should increasingly focus on year-round tourism. But wouldn’t a change to gentle tourism be appropriate here at the same time, so that our mountain world is not overrun?

Christian Schutzinger: That is absolutely correct. And those are the right questions to ask ourselves. Because there is always a question between use and overuse. Otherwise there can of course be conflicts of interest. Between nature and man. Or also within human users – hunting, forestry or leisure. This development needs to be kept under constant scrutiny. The prospect of year-round tourism is very important to us. With this in mind, we have to further develop our offers, but at the same time also take into account visitor management. Because it doesn’t make sense to just send thousands of people somewhere. That wouldn’t help anyone. When it comes to visitor guidance, mobility is an important issue. Because the largest part of a guest’s CO2 footprint is due to their arrival. There is currently a lot of discussion about the use of snow cannons, but the energy required for this is very manageable. Mobility is the far greater problem. Our declared goal is for guests to use public transport in the future. We are already working on this with our partners.

WHEN & WHERE: Climate change not only concerns the tourism and leisure industry, but also many young people. Do you understand the actions with which young climate protectors are currently making the headlines?

Christian Schützinger: Of course, measures are needed to contain climate change as much as possible. That has to be tackled. The way how to draw attention to it, however, is another chapter. For me, the question always arises: how much collateral damage is being caused? I’m the father of two children myself and they too ask me: What’s next? Also with my industry? The new Vorarlberg tourism strategy, which was published last year, clearly states that tourism must make positive contributions to global climate change has to do. That would probably not have been done with such clarity three or four years ago. Sustainable development has always been important to the state of Vorarlberg. This can already be found in the strategies of the 1990s: the decision not to develop any glaciers, the “Respect your borders” initiative, etc. I have always found Vorarlberg to be very progressive in these matters.

WHEN & WHERE: Finally, let’s come back to the current winter season: your summary so far?

Christian Schützinger: Things have been going very well so far, over Christmas we were even at the level before the pandemic. January is traditionally not that strong, but the booking requests for February are very good. Of course we hope that the snow conditions will improve. It is currently not ideal, especially for all those who like to go off-piste. Of course, this also includes many local ski tourers and freeriders. Many of them are sitting in the foggy Rhine Valley, teasing each other a little and claiming that nothing works anyway – while others are skiing in the sunshine in Gargellen. But the only thing that really helps is to go outside again – or simply take a look at the panorama cameras. Because it’s not true that nothing works at all.

Former residence: Born in Salzburg in 1965, lives in Bregenz
Marital status: Married, two children
Education and function: Studied sports and communication sciences as well as a university course in marketing in Salzburg, since 2003 director of state tourism and managing director of Vorarlberg Tourismus

What is special about the Ländle for you personally?
On the one hand, mountain life, which is very close to my heart. And on the other hand, the international Lake Constance area: It does a lot for the people who have to do with permanent border crossings in this region. There is a very special mix here and a touch of cosmopolitanism. I personally find that very stimulating.

You have lived in the country for 25 years. Does a Vorarlberg heart now beat in your Salzburg chest?
I really feel very comfortable and at home in Vorarlberg. My wife is from Dornbirn, my children were born and socialized here. But my home is Salzburg.