As Prospects Of Snow Dry Up, Swiss Resort Invests In Tropical Pool, Artificial Beach - Reuters

[hatrack]

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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.

Andermatt's picture-perfect location at the foot of four passes attracted Egyptian magnate Samih Sawiris, who plans six hotels, a golf course, giant indoor tropical pool and spa, artificial beach and lakes.

Elsewhere in Switzerland, Zermatt plans a hotel on the summit of the Klein Matterhorn -- a similar but smaller peak than the needle-sharp Matterhorn -- boosting its height beyond 4,000 metres and prompting loud protests from environmental groups. Davos envisages a new hotel in a tower above the resort, while Crans-Montana and Verbier are both planning new luxury vacation resorts, as well as 5 star hotels. A year-round 7-hectare resort, including restaurants, bars, entertainment and shops, opened near Turin in time for the 2006 Winter Olympics, while developers in France recently announced plans for a 2,500-bed development at Flaine.

"Clearly it's a survival strategy. Everybody has to be selfish if their industry is entirely dependent on attracting customers," said Stuart Holt, a skier who lives in Luzern, near several resorts in central Switzerland.

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http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46377/story.htm

[phantom power]

1. Great. They're going to become Las Vegas.

:eyes: