Alpine tourism vs. mass tourism

In recent years, hardly any other term has attracted as much attention as “sustainability”. It is also of great importance in the mountains. A sustainable mountain experience requires the protection of nature

When tourism has reached the summit of Mount Everest, where does alpinism begin? - R. Messner

In other words: ‘Where does professional mountain sports stand in Tyrol when mountain tourism in the region has already climbed or even surpassed Mount Everest?’ Hardly any other topic has received as much attention and been used as the term ‘sustainability’ in recent years. As in almost all areas of society, the topic of sustainability also plays an important role in the mountain world. A sustainable mountain experience can only be guaranteed if efforts are made to preserve nature. It is therefore necessary as a professional group to deal with this topic, which is under strain in our times. The Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband) is convinced that sustainability must be considered and practised holistically. It sees this as an opportunity to take a stand. Even if this means shedding light on the unpleasant aspects of one's own tasks on the mountain. Self-reflection as a means of analysing the self-perception of the Tyrolean Mountain Sports Guides Association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband) in order to then point out trends in mountain sports with understanding and without accusation.

to highlight trends in mountain sports. What works well? What less well? Which procedures practised by members do not correspond to the philosophy of the Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association?

The three pillars of sustainability from the perspective of the Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband):

1. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

The economic dimension of sustainability means that economic profit maximisation must not result in society or the environment suffering as a result. It simply makes no sense to generate profits and invest these profits in measures that counteract the damage caused by profit maximisation.

Here's what the tyrolean mountain sports guide association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband) says:

The first legal regulations governing mountain guiding already indicate that this form of tourism can only be a ‘precarious sideline’. This is because the infrastructure created by the alpine associations does not provide the opportunity to make large profits compared to other branches of tourism. There are commercial excesses, as can be observed in long-distance hikes or in the area of gorge climbing in Tyrol. The Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association is sceptical about these offers. Not because of the expected profit, but solely because of the strain on the structures involved. The numerous foreign mountain tours, which are placed on the market through various business models, are also viewed critically. Dozens of published pictures showing very long queues in front of the summit and mountains of rubbish in the summit zones of mountains worldwide do not reflect the desired image of the mountain guide activity.

Taking into account a certain understanding for the interest in this challenging activity, it still remains bizarre and far removed from the self-image of the Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association. The economic situation of Tyrolean mountain guides is very regrettable. For some incomprehensible reason, hiking, including guided hiking in the Alpine region used for Alpine tourism, is sold to customers as a free ‘product’. The conclusion is that the customer is only rarely charged for the financial value of the guided hike. This makes it impossible for certified hiking guides to develop their economic situation positively on their own.

WHY A MOUNTAIN GUIDE?

2. ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

The pillar of ecological sustainability refers to the pillar that society first and foremost associates with ‘sustainability’. The appreciation and respectful treatment of nature, the protection of biodiversity and a fundamentally environmentally friendly attitude are the values that are anchored here. The aim is to create a balance between life and the environment. Natural systems and processes should not be destabilised or destroyed by human intervention, but rather secured in the long term.

Here's what the tyrolean mountain sports guide association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband) says:

‘By fair means’. A basic attitude that stems from the performance area of mountain sports and has become a catchphrase for alpinism in all its areas. The Tyrolean mountain sports guides stand for this concept and see themselves linked to the Tyrolean Declaration through this attitude. They are responsible for the safety of their guests.  As already mentioned under point 1 - economic sustainability - professional mountain sports are not suitable for the masses from an ecological point of view. The legal framework alone, which regulates the duty of care for mountain sports guides and the guarantee of the safety of mountain customers, requires small to very small groups and also individual guests. Depending on the activity and alpine terrain. Masses are not envisaged here. There is definitely a strong demand in the areas of long-distance hiking, freeriding and when it comes to climbing ‘special’ mountains, so-called ‘fashion’ mountains.

ooking at the overall volume of this demand situation, the share for which the Tyrolean mountain sports guides are responsible represents a very small proportion. Instead, the Tyrolean mountain sports guides offer alternative destinations. In order to keep the tracks on the mountain as small as possible - e.g. when building via ferratas - the mountain sports guides work as far as possible without the use of machines. This allows nature to quickly ‘reclaim’ the space used for sports after the essential material has been removed.  
Tyrolean mountain sports guides consider themselves fortunate that the sensitive area in the high alpine region has been placed under protection after weighing up political interests. This guarantees that nature lovers of future generations will also be able to enjoy an intact landscape worth seeing.

It remains to be seen to what extent new ‘advancement opportunities’, such as battery-powered means of transport, will find their way into our profession. As in urban areas, the growing trend is noticeable everywhere and social acceptance of these means of transport in the mountains is high. The Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association is of the opinion that the majority of guided mountain tours should be categorised as guided mountain tours and expects people to treat each other with respect. Fair behaviour towards landowners as responsible parties as well as towards all other visitors to Alpine regions. The use of battery-powered means of transport should be used in a supportive manner and only under suitable or regulated conditions. From a sustainability perspective, it is not so much the energy consumption that needs to be considered here. Rather, it is the production itself and the excessive use of these products that is already taking place.

3. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Together instead of against each other, that could be a simple summary of this third pillar. Social sustainability aims to ensure that people treat each other with respect and tolerance, regardless of origin, gender, religion or financial background. Integration and inclusion play a central role.

Here's what the tyrolean mountain sports guide association (Tiroler Bergsportführerverband) says:

The Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association as a professional group for mountain sports issues sees social sustainability as the most necessary pillar in the future. The political task of the global mountain guide sector - starting with section and provincial associations anchored in provincial law through to national professional associations, which have culminated in the international mountain guide association IVBV since 1965 - was and is the respectful exchange with valley communities of special mountain regions in the Alpine region and throughout the world.  This is where mountain guiding sees its greatest strength. The quality standards for mountain assistance services are high. Competitive pressure and prejudices are quickly formed. In emergency situations, however, helping each other on the mountain is always the top priority. Both among guests and professional colleagues.

Mountain sports guides are facing a time of increased ‘registration’ by the authorities. Today's young mountain guides are increasingly thinking nationally again. They recognise the value of the Tirol brand. This is something that some members see as a barrier. In fact, it serves to protect against standardisation. The necessary ‘demarcation’ from standardisation and the clear highlighting of a character profile that was created over 150 years ago. A character profile that is available for mountain sports enquiries and for many social necessities (e.g. tourism services, rescue tasks, protection tasks for local authorities) with a high level of commitment to our country and its infrastructure.

To summarise, it can be said that professional mountain sports in Tyrol are deliberately designed to be sustainable. It is certainly not suitable for growing trees into the sky - and beyond. However, the Tyrolean Mountain Sports Guides Association is committed to implementing the three pillars of sustainability consciously, in the long term and with respect for people and the environment.
 

Author: Stefan Wierer, Tiroler Bergsportführerverband

Find out more:

You can find more information at bergsportfuehrer-tirol.at