Overview

• The Bavarian government is advancing its third Modernization Law to raise screening thresholds for snowmaking systems, ski pistes and cable cars in order to shorten approval processes.
• Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber insists the reforms do not eliminate environmental reviews but standardize practices with neighboring Alpine regions to accelerate low-impact infrastructure.
• A coalition of opposition parties and conservation groups argues the changes will weaken nature protections and curb public input on new and upgraded ski-area developments.
• Climber Stefan Glowacz points to May’s ice-rock avalanche at Blatten and recent rockfalls on major peaks to forecast widespread trail closures, rerouting and possible village relocations as permafrost thaws.
• With Bavaria’s last four glaciers projected to vanish by 2034, experts urge a shift to sustainable summer tourism that preserves authentic mountain experiences without turning landscapes into commercial attractions.