LATEST
SI-ALPINE
USA: Western Weather Challenges Offset Strong Eastern Performance
Preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) indicates that the 2025-26 US-season saw an estimated 52.6 million snowsports visits at U.S. ski areas, representing a 9.1% decrease from the 10-year average, a decline of approximately 9 million visits from last season, and ranking 32nd out of 48 seasons on record. While challenging weather in the West drove the overall decline, regions east of the Rockies delivered strong seasons.
Mike Reitzell (NSAA) on the current state and trends in the USA.
Mike Reitzell, President of the National Ski Area Association (NSAA), speaks in an SI interview about the dynamics in the US ski market, ski subscription models, youth development, and how mountain resorts are becoming fit for the future.
Photovoltaics in the mountains: What are the requirements for modules?
The international and interdisciplinary project “PV-Detect” is conducting research on an “alpine module” for PV systems in the mountains. PhD student Anika Gassner provides information on the current state of the art.
France: Ski resorts invested 555M euros in 2025
In 2025, French ski resorts committed 555 million euros in investments, according to the annual survey by Montagne Leaders magazine in partnership with Atout France and Domaines Skiables de France, as reported by Planetski.
RELEVANT
TOPICS
Drones for Inspection and Monitoring
"Drone Revolution" for the Industry: Spearheaded by snow lance manufacturer BÄCHLER, the startup SCARA captures has adapted a drone specifically for alpine operations. It autonomously inspects mountain infrastructure, monitors slopes, or assists in rescue missions. The potential applications seem limitless.
How ropeways can harness solar power
In Bolivia’s administrative center, La Paz, the “Mi Teleférico” сable car network is taking another step toward sustainability: while the cabins are already equipped with solar panels, the operator is now working on a model for generating its own renewable energy. The challenges and opportunities involved affect not only “Mi Teleférico” but many other cable car operators as well. Which aspects are particularly important, and what solutions are being implemented?
Spanish ski resorts are investing heavily
With Astún and Alto Campoo, two Spanish ski resorts are investing heavily in their infrastructure: new cable cars, slopes, snow groomers, and beginner areas are to be acquired or implemented. The details.
AI in Guest Communication: Three Examples from Tourism
Guest communication is an area where AI is increasingly being utilized. It answers questions, processes emails, guides guests on-site - and provides businesses with valuable information about visitors in the process. Three examples of how AI helps organizations and travelers.
LATEST
SI-URBAN
Vietnam: Cable car will boost historical tourism
In northwestern Vietnam, a modern tourism complex is taking shape – including the construction of a new cable car system. What makes the location special, and what exactly is being planned?
Stuttgart drops one cable car route but searches for alternatives
The cable car project between Vaihingen station and the Eiermann site in the German city of Stuttgart has been shelved after a feasibility study found the route to be economically unviable. However, the city has not abandoned the idea altogether.
Dominican Republic: Cable Car Renovation for 20 Million US Dollars
A popular tourist destination in Puerto Plata is set to receive a modernized facility. Extensive infrastructure improvements are planned, including technical upgrades and barrier-free access. How is the project being financed?
USA: Western Weather Challenges Offset Strong Eastern Performance
Preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) indicates that the 2025-26 US-season saw an estimated 52.6 million snowsports visits at U.S. ski areas, representing a 9.1% decrease from the 10-year average, a decline of approximately 9 million visits from last season, and ranking 32nd out of 48 seasons on record. While challenging weather in the West drove the overall decline, regions east of the Rockies delivered strong seasons.
RELEVANT
TOPICS
Plose Cable Car: Bressanone advances planning
The Plose cable car project, which is planned to connect the Italian town of Bressanone with the Plose mountain range, is undergoing significant changes. The route over the town has been drastically reduced, and some originally planned sections have been dropped. Here are the details.
Plans in the homeland of cable cars
Ropeways are inextricably linked to Switzerland, shaping the country‘s image as a destination for sports and nature. However, the urban variant has struggled to gain a foothold. Nevertheless, several projects are underway, some of which are already quite far along.
Digital Nudging: How do you get people to be sustainably mobile?
Digital nudging motivates people to use more sustainable mobility options, such as switching from the car to cycling or public transport, or walking. The focus is on “soft interventions” that can be implemented digitally and work without restrictions or bans. A free handbook from Salzburg Research provides concrete recommendations for action and ideas for transport operators, authorities, and institutions.
Germany: Where are urban cable cars being planned?
Urban cable cars seem to be a perennial media topic, particularly in Germany: ideas pop up in many places, only to disappear shortly thereafter. However, there are projects that are being pursued with increasing seriousness. An overview.
