Protect Our Winters (POW) Ski guest survey shows Climate change influences booking decisions

81% of skiers are thinking about climate change: The gondola survey conducted by Protect Our Winters (POW) provides clear signals for the future at the end of the ski season.

The gondola survey is a scientific study that is part of the "Focus Years" project of the Saalfelden-Leogang tourism destination. It was conducted on the last weekend of February by volunteers from Protect Our Winters. The study was conceived in advance by Protect Our Winters (POW), the Saalfelden Leogang Tourism Association, and Professor Robert Steiger from the University of Innsbruck.

Climate change influences booking behavior: 72% view the decline in natural snow as negative - 51.7% tend to book in destinations with higher snow reliability.

The results now published clearly show that climate change has arrived in winter tourism and is increasingly influencing the behavior of skiers. A total of 81% of respondents stated that they consider the effects of climate change when skiing. Snow conditions play a crucial role in the choice of ski resort: for 75.5% of respondents, they are a key factor. More than half (51.7%) would prefer ski resorts with higher snow reliability in the future if snow conditions are uncertain, while many guests are also considering adjusting their travel dates.

Climate-related changes are perceived negatively by 72% of guests, particularly due to less natural snow and altered landscapes. Shorter seasons, poorer snow quality, and increased reliance on artificial snow are cited as impacting the skiing experience. While artificial snowmaking is considered an important adaptation measure, snow-independent offerings are gaining in importance.

Climate protection measures are widely accepted

The survey also examined the perception of wind turbines in the ski resort in relation to the personal skiing experience. A total of 33.3% of respondents stated that wind turbines had a positive influence on their skiing experience, with 15.7% rating this influence as strongly positive. A further 49.3% were neutral on the issue. Only 17.5% perceived wind turbines negatively. Overall, the results demonstrate that climate protection and adaptation strategies are not only ecologically necessary but also meet the expectations of guests and will be crucial for the future of winter tourism.

Procedure and implementation of the survey

The gondola survey was conducted over the weekend of February 28th and March 1st, 2026. Fifteen volunteers from POW were out and about in the Leogang ski area, distributing both printed and digital questionnaires via QR code to guests. The survey took an average of 12 minutes to complete, making it convenient to take the survey directly during the gondola ride. A total of 536 people participated in the survey. The complete results can be found in the attached PDF file.

Notice: April 15, 2026 and Vision T

The study results will be presented on April 15, 2026 at the public event “Tourism in Transition: What Does Climate Protection Really Achieve?” in Saalfelden.

As part of the project partnership with Saalfelden Leogang, POW demonstrates that active climate and environmental protection is not only ecologically necessary, but is also perceived positively by guests and contributes to the attractiveness of the region.

Furthermore, POW actively contributes to shaping the "Vision T" of Austrian tourism. The organization is particularly committed to strengthening ecological responsibility and effective climate protection measures. The goal is to actively participate in the transformation of tourism towards greater sustainability and to make it fit for the future.

More here