Techniques for the rehabilitation of ski areas

Abstract

The growth of ski sports caused the creation of cumbersome infrastructures in mountain areas. In particular, the construction of ski-runs destroyed the plant and soil cover. It very soon became evident that, for ecological and economic reasons as well as to preverse the landscape, it was essential to reconstitute the plant cover as well as to take measures to control erosion. Since 1978 Cemagref has been carrying out research both on plant species and the reconstitution of the sub-strata in order to offer all developers effective replanting schemes. This research first considered varieties taken from those on the market. They were completely alien to the regions to be rehabilitated but were the only ones available. For the past few years, under pressure from the scientific community, fundamental research has been carried out to confirm the advantages of using better adapted indigenous varieties.