Ski resorts reaching out for more summer tourists

Alpine resorts are branching out into different sectors of the tourism industry in a bid to counter the threat that climate change poses to winter ski holidays.

Last month the town of Abondance became global warming's first economic victim when it was forced to close its lifeline ski station due to the steady decline in snowfall over recent years, but other resorts are showing more resilience.

Tignes, a resort 2,100 metres up in the French Alps, this year imported enough sand to create an artificial beach by its lake, allowing it to lay claim to having "the highest beach in Europe".

It also hosted a stage of the Tour de France cycle race and the resort boasts mountain walks, golf, horse riding and even paragliding as some of its activities.

Facing up to the reality of climate change may mean that skiing will become a mere "side attraction" for many resorts, according to Hansruedi Mueller, professor of leisure and tourism at Switzerland's Berne University.

"However, it could be an opportunity for the Alps in the summer as people may want to escape hot, humid cities for cool mountain air," he told the BBC.

When heatwaves struck across Europe in 2003 many Alpine resorts enjoyed a boost in activity as holidaymakers flying out of Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport sought out fresher climates.