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Environmental associations want to prevent lifts on Tyrolean glaciers

Several nature conservation associations want to prevent plans to develop a glacier area in the Austrian Kaunertal. They applied to the Tyrolean state government to extend the "Ötztal Alps" quiet zone and thus protect the "largest contiguous glacier area in Austria around the Weißseespitze and...

,   and  Melissa Williams
2 min read
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Tourism - Environmental associations want to prevent lifts on Tyrolean glaciers

Several nature conservation associations want to prevent plans to develop a glacier area in the Austrian Kaunertal. They applied to the Tyrolean state government to extend the "Ötztal Alps" quiet zone and thus protect the "largest contiguous glacier area in Austria around the Weißseespitze and the upper part of the Gepatschferner", according to a press release issued by WWF Austria, the Austrian and German Alpine Associations and Naturefriends on Thursday. The nature conservation organizations are thus opposing plans to expand the Kaunertal Glacier ski area to include areas of the Gepatschferner.

The approximately 3.3 square kilometer area to the east of the 3518-metre-high Weißseespitze, including the highest glacier areas of the Gepatschferner in the rear Kaunertal, is still not protected, the associations criticized. According to the associations, two ski lifts and 13 hectares of new pistes are planned. "This is a completely untouched east alpine summit area," said a spokesperson. As reported by the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is likely to be necessary. A decision should be made by February.

Press release

Read also:

  1. The WWF, along with the Austrian and German Alpine Associations and Naturefriends, have voiced their opposition to the expansion of the Kaunertal Glacier ski area in Austria, citing the need for nature conservation.
  2. The proposed development includes constructing two ski lifts and creating 13 hectares of new pistes in the contiguous glacier area around the Weißseespitze and the upper part of the Gepatshferner.
  3. The Ötztal Alps, which currently have a quiet zone, are being considered for an extension by several environmental associations to protect the largest glacier area in Austria.
  4. Innsbruck, known for its tourism, could be affected by the decision, as the development of the glacier area is seen as a potential boost to the local ski industry.
  5. The German Alpine Association, as a part of the environmental efforts, is also involved in the campaign to preserve the unique natural beauty of the Ötztal Alps and the Alps as a whole.
  6. The Tyrolean state government is expected to make a decision on this matter by February, which will have implications for the future of tourism and environmental conservation in the area.

Source: www.stern.de

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