Following the great success of the International Year of Mountains in 2002, the United Nations General Assembly decided to establish the international "Mountain Day" worldwide. This is celebrated every year on December 11 and is intended to raise awareness of the problems of mountain landscapes as well as to show how the mountain world can be benefited from.
Problems of mountain landscapes using the example of the Alps
In the last 100 years, the temperature in the Alps has risen by almost 2°C. This has a great impact on the mountain landscape. The steady growth of tourism is doing the rest, causing, among other things, a multiplication of pollution and a multiplication of water consumption. Only 60% of the ski areas in the Alps are still considered to have guaranteed snow - this leads to an increased use of snow cannons. However, these consume as much water in a year as a city with a million inhabitants. Tourist opportunities in the Alps have been developed for about 120 million visitors - this goes hand in hand with an increased sealing of surfaces. However, the urban sprawl and development of these areas with hotels, ski resorts and infrastructure such as the more than 100 tunnels and passes severely limits the functional scope of these areas.
Although the tourist use of the Alps is desirable, the costs and benefits of this development must be balanced and planned carefully for the future; the preservation of this unique living and natural space is absolutely desirable. The Alps are home to more than 100 species of animals and plants and formone of the most impressive biogeographical regions with 190,000km² and atthe same time also the largest drinking water reservoir in the heart of Europe.
Unique mountain world - sports and recreation in the great outdoors
For millions of people, the mountains offer unique, fantastic experiences. In summer, the mountains of the world invite you to go hiking, climbing or mountain biking. In addition to the sporting challenge, the unique atmosphere of the mountains provides an intense experience of nature. Kayak tours in the mountains are also becoming increasingly popular.
In winter, on the other hand, the mountains attract with snow. On skis, snowboard or even on a sled, the winter wonderland is nowhere more beautiful than in the icy snowy heights. Cross-country skiing is not only an effective strength and cardio workout for the entire body, it also promotes concentration and improves sleep.
For more advanced athletes, the mountains offer unparalleled experiences such as high altitude touring. High altitude tours and the many forms of play are among the most complex disciplines on the mountain. They take place in glaciated high mountains, i.e. in terrain with glaciers, ice flanks, firn ridges and high peaks over three or four thousand meters, so these tours require special preparation, equipment and belaying skills.
When skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing mountaineers leave the secured slopes and move through natural, unsecured terrain
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A very special challenge, but only suitable for athletes who have special knowledge of avalanche awareness.
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Editorial fitnessmarkt.de (DG)
Image credit: #229936632 Prostock-studio / stock.adobe.com
https://shop.fitnessmarkt.de/ski-ergometerPublished on: 5 December 2019