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The Stelvio also closes because of the heat, no summer skiing in Europe
Italy🏛️ PoliticsCenter7 days ago

The Stelvio also closes because of the heat, no summer skiing in Europe

Due days after closing the Cervino and Ponte di Legno-Tonale ski areas, the Stelvio ski resort has also closed due to extreme heat, making summer skiing impossible across Europe. The high temperatures during the day do not drop sufficiently at night, preventing the usual quality and safety standards required for summer skiing. The Sifas, which manages the cable cars at Stelvio, suspended skiing activities on the glacier until further notice but kept the cable cars operational for access to the glacier. They expressed hope for improved thermal conditions and pledged to update visitors on any potential reopening. Similar closures were reported at Cervino, where operations stopped on July 31. On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, the ascent was halted, and two French mountain huts were closed for safety reasons. Some tourists who ignored warnings and climbed to the huts had to pay for helicopter rescues after local authorities refused assistance. Current temperatures in Italy and across the Alps make skiing impossible, leaving only indoor ski facilities as viable options.

The ski season in Europe has come to an abrupt end this summer, with major resorts such as Stelvio, Cervino, and Saas Fee closing their slopes due to record high temperatures. The decision was made on August 15th, following persistent heatwaves that have left many mountain areas unable to maintain the necessary conditions for winter sports. At Stelvio, located in northern Italy, the closure was announced by the Società Impianti Funiviari allo Stelvio, which manages the cable cars leading to the glacier. According to the organization, the high daytime temperatures, often exceeding 17 degrees Celsius even at elevations above 2,000 meters, have prevented sufficient nighttime cooling, making it impossible to guarantee safety and quality standards for skiing during the summer months. The situation is not unique to Stelvio. Similar measures were taken earlier in the week at Cervino, where the Swiss company Zermatt Bergbahnen halted operations on the Teodulo glacier at 3,000 meters. The Italian side of the Cervino resort remained open until Plateau-Rosa, but only for hikers rather than skiers. Meanwhile, on Mont Blanc, the Italian side has also been closed, with two French refuges, Tête Rousse and Goûter, shut down for safety reasons. This led to a controversial incident before August 1st, when 32 tourists who had climbed to the refuge were denied helicopter assistance by the mayor of Saint-Gervaise, forcing them to pay privately for their return. The decision sparked public debate in France, highlighting the growing risks associated with extreme weather conditions. Across the continent, the effects of the heatwave are widespread. In Switzerland, the glaciers of Saas Fee have also been affected, while in Austria and Norway, similar closures have occurred. Temperatures recorded at the Arpa station near the Forni glacier on Stelvio reached 17 degrees Celsius, and at the Passo Marinelli, they stood at nine degrees. These figures underscore the severity of the situation, as even the highest-altitude regions are experiencing unprecedented warmth. As a result, traditional outdoor skiing is no longer viable in much of Europe, leaving only indoor ski facilities as the remaining option for enthusiasts. The impact extends beyond human activity. Wildlife in the region is also being affected by the prolonged heat. Reports indicate that animals such as marmottes, caprioli, and wolves are altering their behavior due to the lack of water and changes in food availability. Scientists warn that these shifts could lead to long-term ecological consequences, particularly if the trend continues. Studies suggest that the current pattern of extreme weather may become more common, challenging the sustainability of both human and natural systems in the Alps. For the operators of the ski resorts, the decision to close the slopes represents a difficult but necessary step. The Società Impianti Funiviari allo Stelvio has stated that its team will continue monitoring the situation closely, hoping for a drop in temperatures and improved conditions for the glacier. While the service of the cable cars remains active, allowing visitors to reach the upper reaches of the mountain, the actual skiing experience is currently unavailable. The organization has expressed gratitude for the understanding of the public and has promised to provide updates should conditions improve. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on whether the weather patterns will shift in the coming weeks. If the temperatures remain consistently high, the ski season may be further delayed or even canceled entirely. For now, the European Alps face a summer unlike any other, marked by rising temperatures and the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate.

3 reports

ANSA logoANSAIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 907 days ago
The Stelvio also closes because of the heat, no summer skiing in Europe

Due days after closing the Cervino and Ponte di Legno-Tonale ski areas, the Stelvio ski resort has also closed due to extreme heat, making summer skiing impossible across Europe. The high temperatures during the day do not drop sufficiently at night, preventing the usual quality and safety standards required for summer skiing. The Sifas, which manages the cable cars at Stelvio, suspended skiing activities on the glacier until further notice but kept the cable cars operational for access to the glacier. They expressed hope for improved thermal conditions and pledged to update visitors on any potential reopening. Similar closures were reported at Cervino, where operations stopped on July 31. On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, the ascent was halted, and two French mountain huts were closed for safety reasons. Some tourists who ignored warnings and climbed to the huts had to pay for helicopter rescues after local authorities refused assistance. Current temperatures in Italy and across the Alps make skiing impossible, leaving only indoor ski facilities as viable options.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on the closure of ski resorts due to extreme heat, focusing on environmental factors and operational decisions by private companies. There is no explicit political commentary, framing, or bias toward any political entity or ideology. The information is presented factually, with a

Why factuality (95): This article provides detailed and specific reasons for the closure of the Stelvio ski area, citing the Sifas company and mentioning the exact date of closure (Ferragosto). It also references previous closures at Cervino and includes additional context about the situation at Mont Blanc and French re

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and informative tone throughout. It quotes official statements and avoids taking sides or using emotionally charged language. The explanation of the closure is balanced and objective.

la Repubblica logola RepubblicaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 858 days ago
Italy, goodbye summer skiing, even the Stelvio is closing its slopes for lack of snow

The Italian alpine ski resort of Stelvio has closed its slopes due to a lack of snow, attributed to persistent heatwaves at high altitudes, absence of nighttime freezing, and frequent thunderstorms that have damaged the glacier. This follows similar closures at other resorts like Cervino and Saas Fee. The article highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions on winter sports infrastructure in Italy.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on environmental factors affecting ski resorts without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular ideology. It focuses on natural phenomena and their effects on tourism, avoiding commentary or framing that would suggest a political lean.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports that the Stelvio ski area closed due to lack of snow caused by persistent heatwaves, high daytime temperatures, and insufficient nighttime cooling. It also mentions that similar closures occurred at Cervino and Saas Fee. The information aligns closely with the cross-so

Why objectivity (85): The tone is generally neutral but slightly more journalistic than analytical. It uses phrases like 'addio sci estivo' which may imply a sense of finality, though this is common in media reporting. No strong bias or opinion is evident.

la Repubblica logola RepubblicaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 808 days ago
Marmots that don't play, night owls and wolves in the mud: the effects of the afa on animals

High temperatures across Italy are altering the behavior of wild animals, from Alpine marmots to nocturnal chamois and wolves in muddy conditions. Researchers warn of potential long-term consequences for wildlife due to these heat-related changes in animal habits.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses environmental effects of heat on wildlife without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular ideology. It focuses on scientific concerns and does not frame the issue in a politically charged manner.

Why factuality (70): While this article discusses the effects of the heatwave on wildlife, it does not directly address the closure of the Stelvio ski area. However, it indirectly supports the broader context of extreme weather impacting mountain regions. Its relevance to the main event is limited compared to the first

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the impact of heat on animals in a neutral manner, focusing on scientific studies and observations. While it doesn't discuss the ski closures directly, it avoids any biased interpretation of the environmental effects.

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