Disappeared Ski Lift Reemerges after Half a Century Due to Glacier Melting
In the heart of the Austrian Alps, the Hallstatt Glacier on Dachstein has been undergoing significant changes due to climate change. The once expansive glacier, covering 5.27 square kilometers in the middle of the 19th century, has now shrunk to about 2.22 square kilometers. This alarming decrease has not only affected the glacier's size but also local attractions, as hiking trails need to be rerouted and secured to prevent people from falling into crevasses.
One of the most intriguing discoveries linked to this shrinking glacier is the reemergence of a 50-year-old ski lift. Built in 1970, the ski lift was designed to operate when it was still possible to ski on this glacier in the summer. However, just a few years after its construction, the ski lift was buried under a glacier, as described by the head of the cableway.
The wooden structure of the ski lift disappeared under the ice cover, but the discovery of its remains has now been reported. Georg Bliem, the head of the Dachstein Glacier Railway, made the announcement about the discovery to the German Press Agency. The ski lift was previously reported by the "Kronen Zeitung" in Upper Austria.
The ski lift, located on the Dachstein, was covered by snow a few years after its construction, as mentioned by Bliem, and has now reappeared due to the melting of the glacier. However, no further information is provided about the condition of the ski lift or any plans for preservation or further study.
Another attraction, the Glacier Palace, a tourist spot dug into the glacier, may only exist for another four to five years, according to Bliem's estimate. The retreat of the glacier has also raised concerns about the safety of local hiking trails, as crevasses continue to form and expand.
Rising temperatures are causing ice masses in the mountains to gradually disappear, as stated by Bliem. This discovery serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our environment and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
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