Climate change is placing immense pressure on winter tourism, particularly on ski resorts. In Austria, all glacial ski operators use polypropylene (PP) geotextile covers, deployed from May through the end of summer to enhance albedo. Currently, more than 100 hectares of glacier surfaces are covered. The mechanical benefits are clear: these covers help preserve over 2.5 meters of ice thickness per season, which is essential for maintaining ski slopes, critical infrastructure, and key areas that require stabilization.
However, from an environmental perspective, geotextile coverage is a compromise. While economically vital for ski resort operators, recent findings have identified these PP covers as a source of microplastic pollution. Over time, PP fibers are released from the fleece, dispersing into the surrounding environment and being transported to downstream habitats, including glacial rivers, via wind and meltwater. This poses a significant environmental risk. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Austria’s Environmental Agency incorporated it into the Action Plan Microplastics, prompting a strategic shift toward more sustainable solutions.
Now, an eco-friendly alternative is on the horizon. Over the past two summer seasons, cellulose-based fleece variants have been tested in field trials at Stubai Glacier, Austria. These assessments focused on technical performance—reflectivity, tear strength, and insulation—alongside environmental impacts such as chemical stability, microbial biodiversity, bacterial activity, and potential fiber release. While geotextile coverage inherently disrupts cryobiota by limiting atmospheric connectivity, cellulose-based textiles offer a more sustainable alternative. Through a collaborative effort between ski operators, manufacturers, and scientists, these biodegradable materials are being prioritized as replacements for polymer-based geotextiles in Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Additionally, cellulose-based fleeces can be integrated into circular economy models, allowing for recycling and even upcycling into new textiles made from reclaimed fibers.