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Brown meadows instead of snow-covered ski slopes. Operations in the Rieti ski resort in central Italy are at a standstill. The municipality in the Appenine Mountains is usually one of the Romans' favorite ski resorts at this time of year. The capital is only 80 kilometers away. But it's currently a springlike 13 degrees here.
Vincenzo Regnini, local councilor:
»One crucial detail is missing for a ski facility: the snow! And you can imagine that this is an element that should not be neglected. We have been operating the ski facility for two years. Last year the season went well. Unfortunately, the climatic conditions are very unfavorable for our business this year.«
The municipality of Rieti is advertising to tourists online with wintry pictures of its Monte Terminillo. It is more than 2000 meters high. But the longed-for snow didn't come all winter. An unusual sight for visitors:
Anna Rossi, tourist:
»We came here to take a walk and eat polenta, although unfortunately the weather is not suitable for polenta. It's sad to see this mountain so brown and without snow."
Shops and restaurants also remain largely closed, and only a few are holding out despite the lull in tourists.
Domenico Cerza, shopkeeper
»We have never experienced a season like this, it is tough. We open the store in the morning and close it in the evening. We don't know how long this will last, but we hope we'll be okay."
The local council hopes that the emergency situation does not last. However, as a result of climate change, more and more ski areas in the Alpine region are under pressure. The business is no longer worthwhile. A fate that could also befall Rieti sooner or later.