Assessing Impacts of Climate Change, Ski Slope, Snow and Hydraulic Engineering on Slope Stability in Ski Resorts (French and Italian Alps)

Climate change and increased skier density is increasing ski run reworking, use of artificial snow and snow grooming. Few studies are available on these engineering impacts on slope stability. Therefore, the soil properties, compaction and infiltration characteristics were investigated on ski slopes and compared to natural sites for three different ski resorts (Les Menuires, La Rosiere and Foppolo) in the French and Italian Alps. The results show that soil properties differ substantially, with lower nitrogen and carbon content and higher pH on ski runs. Soil compaction is up to three times higher and infiltration takes up to four times longer on ski slopes compared to natural sites. Some new ski slopes were even 100 % impermeable. This explains why ski slopes are more prone to landslides, sheet, rill and gully erosion and have a distinct vegetation cover.