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Paper short abstract

The paper will examine the evolution of skiing in the Alps up to the crisis of the mountain tourism model. In the face of environmental criticism and the advance of global warming, has ski capitalism found artificial snow to be the new infrastructure for perpetuating desire?

Paper long abstract

The paper will study the emergence of Alpine skiing as a sport in the Alps during the 20th century. In countries such as France, the state played a decisive role in developing skiing tourism. The Winter Olympic Games have added a further national dimension to the sport. However, after decades of development, which saw intense real estate pressure on the mountain areas and the evolution of technologies for ascending mountain slopes, the ski model is now in crisis. Beyond the inhabitants of mountain areas, skiing has remained a sport reserved for a privileged niche of the population. The popularisation of sportswear and the advertising of ski resorts have partly contributed to making it less distant from the imagination of sporting desire. However, the stereotypical image of a snow-capped mountain is now being severely challenged by the advance of global warming. Artificial snow has become the only way for many ski resorts to continue operating in the absence of natural snow cover during the winter. The retreat of natural snow and the increase in artificial snow highlights the paradox of the encounter between ski capitalism and the Alpine mountains, putting increasing pressure on water resources. With many voices demanding alternative ways of enjoying the mountains, which desires will prevail in determining the future of the Alps?