With the increasing popularity of winter sports, skiing has become an important activity for tourism and recreation during the winter season. However, skiing activities and the development of ski resorts can have significant impacts on the natural environment, especially the local ecosystems of plants and animals. Scientific planning and the implementation of ecological protection measures are key to achieving sustainable development in the ski industry.

I. Impact of Skiing Activities on Flora and Fauna

Vegetation Damage
The construction of ski resorts typically involves clearing forests, creating ski slopes, and laying infrastructure, which directly damages existing vegetation cover. Bare slopes not only reduce plant coverage but also lead to soil erosion, affecting the ability of plants to regenerate.

Disturbance to Animal Habitats
Noise from skiing activities, human presence, and nighttime lighting can disturb the normal behaviors of wildlife. For example, mammals may alter their foraging routes, and birds may delay or abandon their breeding seasons, leading to a decline in local biodiversity.

Changes to Snow Ecosystems
The use of artificial snow and chemical snow additives can alter the natural snow structure, affecting soil microbial activity and water cycles. In the long term, this may impact the growth and adaptability of alpine plant communities.

II. Ecological Protection Measures in Slope Design

To minimize the environmental impacts of skiing activities, modern ski resort design increasingly emphasizes ecological protection. Key measures include:

Scientific Site Selection and Route Planning

Avoid developing slopes in wildlife habitats, wetlands, or areas with rare plant communities.

Utilize natural terrain to reduce direct damage to vegetation.

Concentrate ski slopes to minimize disturbance to large forest areas.

Slope Construction and Vegetation Protection

Adopt a “soft development” approach to preserve as much native vegetation as possible.

Restore bare slopes through measures such as protective netting and planting cold-resistant native species.

Control the intensity of mechanical construction to prevent soil compaction.

Reducing Disturbance to Animals

Establish buffer zones along slope edges to maintain forest corridors, providing refuge and passage for wildlife.

Control resort operating hours, especially during breeding and winter foraging periods, and reduce nighttime lighting and noise.

Water Resources and Snow Management

Prioritize the use of natural snow and minimize chemical snow agents.

Install drainage systems to prevent snowmelt from eroding soil and vegetation.

Manage water resources for artificial snow sustainably, avoiding over-extraction of groundwater or disruption of wetland ecosystems.

Ecological Monitoring and Adaptive Management

Implement monitoring systems to track the long-term impact of slope construction and skiing activities on flora and fauna.

Adjust slope maintenance, opening schedules, and ecological restoration plans based on monitoring results.

III. Conclusion

The development of skiing and ecological protection are not mutually exclusive. Through scientific planning, thoughtful design, and ecological monitoring, ski resorts can provide high-quality skiing experiences while minimizing impacts on plants and animals. This approach not only supports the sustainable operation of ski resorts but also aligns with societal expectations for environmental protection and ecological civilization.