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Adaptation Patterns of Cable Car Companies to Climate Change

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  • Mitterer Dario

    (27215 University of St.Gallen University of St.Gallen Institute for Systemic Management and Public Governance (IMP-HSG) Dufourstrasse 40a 9000 St.Gallen Switzerland)

  • Bieger Thomas

    (University of St.Gallen Institute for Systemic Management and Public Governance (IMP-HSG) Dufourstrasse 40a 9000 St.Gallen Switzerland)

Abstract

Cable car companies are key players in alpine winter sports tourism and strongly affected by the consequences of climate change, including lower snowfall, higher snow lines and shorter snow seasons. Based on a survey of almost 100 Swiss cable car companies, this study analyzes adaptation measures and aims to identify typical strategic adaptation patterns based on cluster analysis, which identified four clusters: small conservative companies, sustainability-oriented medium-sized companies, proactive and diversified medium-sized companies and large innovative companies. The findings reveal that strategies vary by company size, influenced by factors such as revenue, altitude, and slope kilometers. The study highlights the need for tailored approaches and targeted support to enhance the industry’s resilience and secure the future of Alpine tourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitterer Dario & Bieger Thomas, 2025. "Adaptation Patterns of Cable Car Companies to Climate Change," Zeitschrift für Tourismuswissenschaft, De Gruyter, vol. 17(2), pages 271-289.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:touwis:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:271-289:n:1002
    DOI: 10.1515/tw-2024-0028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Hugues François & Raphaëlle Samacoïts & David Neil Bird & Judith Köberl & Franz Prettenthaler & Samuel Morin, 2023. "Climate change exacerbates snow-water-energy challenges for European ski tourism," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 13(9), pages 935-942, September.
    4. Jonathan Cognard & Lucas Berard-Chenu & Yves Schaeffer & Hugues François, 2024. "The snow must go on: can snowmaking keep ski resorts profitable in a changing climate?," Post-Print hal-04746652, HAL.
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