Warming resorts seek alternatives to skiing

[depakid]

Army conscripts used to be a common sight in Andermatt, practising parallel turns or perfecting climbing techniques in case they were needed to defend Switzerland's mountain heart.

These days it is mainly local skiers schussing down the surrounding slopes and the town is better known for two things: the foil that covers a glacier to stop it melting in summer and a giant new luxury holiday resort.

Last winter was one of the warmest on record in the Alps and despite early snowfalls this year, resorts are planning alternatives to skiing, including several complex and ambitious projects to keep the cash coming even if the snow does not.

"Every destination that is likely to suffer from the effects of global warming during the coming years has to find strategies best suited to its assets and budget," said Switzerland Tourism spokeswoman Veronique Kanel.

More: http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/warming-resorts-seek-alternatives-to-skiing/2008/01/14/1200159318680.html