International cooperation and the exchange of multidisciplinary skills continue to be central pillars for the UNIMONT Hub of the University of Milan in tackling the future challenges of mountain regions. In this context, the success of the international workshop held at the Hotel degli Sciatori at Passo del Tonale takes on strategic importance: a high-profile educational meeting dedicated to the challenges facing ski resorts and the evolution of the ski instructor profession in the context of climate change.
Among the numerous international activities promoted by the UNIMONT Hub of the University of Milan, to foster the exchange of expertise and best practices, the workshop organized at Passo del Tonale stood out. It involved approximately 90 students from the Universities of Hann
over and the University of Göttingen, representing various faculties (Sports Science, Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Forestry). The participants—future outdoor leaders and primary/secondary school physical education teachers, certified to guide and teach alpine skiing to students, explored the management of mountain destinations under the guidance of Professors Mischa Lumme, Tim Schoen, Julia Zilles, and the UNIMONT Hub research team.
The meeting, coordinated by Laura Pasinetti (UNIMONT PhD Candidate) and Raffaella Balzarini (Researcher and Project Manager of the Interreg TranStat project), presented practical case studies on adaptation:
The TranStat Project: A multi-sectoral methodology designed to guide ski resorts toward diversified and systemic tourism-economic models, moving beyond a model based exclusively on skiing.
Prato Valentino 2050: A local initiative in Valtellina focused on tourism desonalization and the enhancement of regional heritage.
The core of the event was a practical session where students, divided into groups, simulated managing a ski school during
a Christmas season marked by low snowfall and high temperatures. The future professionals had to develop complex organizational plans, addressing logistical, financial, and communication challenges. Some of the most innovative solutions proposed by the students included:
Reshaping the Offer: Shortening the duration of ski lessons and integrating them with “green” activities (such as playful forest exploration and horseback riding).
Environmental Education: Transforming traditional lessons into opportunities to explain the effects of climate change on the Alpine landscape.
Logistics and Safety: Organizing chairlift transport to higher altitudes (where snow is guaranteed) with the support of young local volunteers to supervise children.
The enthusiasm and critical thinking demonstrated by the students underscore the importance of these international exchanges. In conclusion, the professors from the German universities expressed great satisfaction with the event:
“We are very happy to have the opportunity to discuss current challenges and the necessary adaptations of ski resorts with current research experts. This exchange offers a valuable perspective for our students and helps them reflect on their potential future roles as snow sports instructors.” — Mischa Lumme, Center for Sport and Health, University of Göttingen.
“We thank the UNIMONT Hub research team for the presentation and for their willingness to answer the students’ questions. We truly appreciate the commitment and the exchange with UNIMONT for the second consecutive year.” — Tim Schoen, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover.
“For our students, this is a great opportunity to broaden their perspectives beyond their own academic disciplines and to immerse themselves in applied research and the design of local participation processes.” — Julia Zilles, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover.
