Climate Change Case Study: Chamonix 2023
If there are two things I love, it’s electric cars and snowboarding. They are each closely linked, both can accelerate very quickly and very quietly. That’s why this February I decided enough was enough and that it was time to take the kids away. I wanted to get them off the skis and onto a snowboard, what could be more fun?
Like all kids nowadays, mine are an environmentally aware tribe, regularly berating their teachers for driving a diesel. However, nothing could prepare us for what was ahead. This winter has been notorious for minimal snowfall and soaring temperatures; Despite this, little could prepare us for the eye-opening spectacles to come.
The Good
Chamonix is a beautiful place that has developed over the last 20 years, with most buses, trains, and municipal vehicles being electric or hybrid. Our chalet even had an electric charge point, a slow one at that, but it was an easy fill for the car while we were snowboarding. Ionity has charge points all around, making journeys easy. We walked into the resort centre each night, located next to a cycleway alongside a rapidly flowing river – perhaps a warning of the changes this February? Regardless, water power generates lots of the resort’s energy, and solar energy too. Our walks took us via the sports centre and tennis courts, which weren’t in use as they were covered in snow. However, in a month or so, it would have been entirely lit by solar power. Cool, right?
The Bad
It seems harsh to refer to Chamonix in a section called the bad. I love Chamonix, and the resort itself is not responsible for the issues I will highlight here; we’re all responsible!
There is an irony, though. I went to a winter destination but enjoyed the same temperatures as my colleague Kenzie enjoyed in the Canaries! I went in search of powder but found sun and slush and lots of grass as we fell below 1500m. Luckily, the slopes can go up to 4,000m, so you can always find some snow this time of year! The last time I went away in February, we had 2 powder days and nearly 2 feet of snow; this time, we ran out of sun lotion, left base layers in the chalet, and had more slush than powder!
The Ugly
There are many beautiful places in Chamonix. Aiguille du Midi offers awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc, with all its majesty and Glaciers. But, when it comes to Glaciers, the ice cave at the ‘Mer De Glace’ (sea of ice) is truly a life-changing sight, for the right and the wrong reasons.
The glaciers throughout the Alps are in retreat, but at Mer De Glace it’s brought into sharp focus. It’s one of the most frequented glaciers, and since the construction of the ice caves 100 years ago, a hill train has been built to support the tourists looking to explore and historically ski the glacier. However, it’s this very fixed infrastructure that makes this glacier one of the most graphic demonstrations of climate change you will see.
In 1920, Montevers built a station level with the Mer De Glace, giving direct access to the glacier and ice cave. In 2023, we followed in their footsteps but with considerably more footsteps!
There are 3 Problems Getting to the Ice Cave in 2023
Ice caves which are rebuilt every few years, mind you! The first problem is that cable car is now required. The second is the over 600 subsequent steps that are needed to reach the caves! The last issue is the skiers, who can no longer go any further and have to come up the steps to get the train down!
I have never seen a more humbling example of climate change than this glacier’s erosion. 100 years ago it was at the height of the station, whereas today, it is 200m below and diminishing rapidly.
I would urge you all to travel to Chamonix, ideally with your children as it will be their planet that is most adversely affected. All we ask is that you do it in an electric car! It’s not for your sake, it’s for your kids and the planet’s sake.