Adaptation Patterns of Cable Car Companies to Climate Change

Cable car companies are key players in alpine winter sports tourism and strongly affected by the consequences of climate change, including lower snowfall, higher snow lines and shorter snow seasons. Based on a survey of almost 100 Swiss cable car companies, this study analyzes adaptation measures and aims to identify typical strategic adaptation patterns based on cluster analysis, which identified four clusters: small conservative companies, sustainability-oriented medium-sized companies, proactive and diversified medium-sized companies and large innovative companies. The findings reveal that strategies vary by company size, influenced by factors such as revenue, altitude, and slope kilometers. The study highlights the need for tailored approaches and targeted support to enhance the industry’s resilience and secure the future of Alpine tourism.