At Skipass Modena, one of the most important and significant panel discussions took place, dedicated to the theme of “Mountain Weather Forecasts”.
Among the speakers were Stefano Illing, president of Cortina Turismo, the tourism promotion consortium of Cortina d’Ampezzo, on stage alongside Beppe Boni, deputy editor of Il Resto del Carlino, who moderated the session, Luca Ubaldeschi, deputy editor of La Stampa, Massimiliano Ossini, host of Rai 1’s Linea Bianca, Michele Dallapiccola, Councillor for Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Massimo Feruzzi of Osservatorio Skipass Panorama Turismo, Maurizio Bonelli, president of the Association of Italian Ski Instructors, Valeria Ghezzi, president of Anef, and Luciano Magnani, president of the National Board of Ski Instructors.
The analysis carried out during the Skipass conference identified weather forecasts as an important stimulus for diversifying and improving the tourism offering of destinations in general, and mountain resorts in particular.
«We must move beyond the “picture-postcard mountain” mindset – stated Illing –. We must no longer identify solely with a mountain made of snow and fine weather. Baden-Powell used to say “there is no such thing as good or bad weather, only good or bad equipment”. Today we must increasingly be able to promote proper use of weather forecasts, while also creating alternative offerings alongside excursions and sports.».
Massimo Feruzzi of the Skipass Panorama Turismo observatory (winter tourism data analysis center) emphasized how the numbers confirm the influence of weather on holiday decisions. The published Skipass Panorama Turismo report notes that, according to 1,384 operators surveyed, 82.6% of Italians check the weather forecast, 17.6% cancel their holiday if bad weather is forecast, and 53% wait to decide later. 93% believe that forecasts get it wrong too often.
Weather thus becomes one of the factors capable of influencing mountain tourism and, in some respects, determining the economic performance of a ski resort.
However, the economic aspect is neither the only one nor certainly the most significant; indeed, as climatologist Luca Mercalli pointed out, having reliable weather data and knowing how to interpret it can save lives, drawing up a ten-point guide to weather forecasts:
1. «Forecasts are not certainties, or they wouldn’t be called forecasts»
2. «A reliable forecast cannot go beyond 3 to 5 days»
3. «The probability of accuracy for a 24-hour rain forecast can reach 90%»
4. «In summer, predicting the exact location and timing of thunderstorms is still practically impossible»
5. «Assessing the accuracy of a forecast also depends on the user, their needs, and their expectations»
6. «Not all sources of weather information are trustworthy and reliable»
7. «In Italy, alongside the Air Force Meteorological Service, local public services are authoritative but fragmented»
8. «Icon-based forecasts are almost always generated automatically without the intervention of a meteorologist»
9. «Weather services are not just for excursions; above all, they help save human lives»
10. «The presence of little clouds or raindrops does not mean you have to give up your holiday»
Between inaccurate forecasts and the inability to interpret them properly, what remains crucial is the commitment of major ski resorts to offer an alternative experience capable of satisfying skiers and hikers even in the event of bad weather, making a mountain holiday an experience independent of weather conditions and ever closer to what should be the true spirit of every enthusiast: being in contact with nature and appreciating it in all its facets.
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