Abstract
Mountain regions at medium altitude are facing unprecedented challenges as climate change reduces snow reliability and reshapes traditional winter tourism models. The BeyondSnow project, co-funded by the Interreg Alpine Space programme, addresses these transformations by enhancing the resilience of small and medium-sized snow tourism destinations (STDs) and their communities. This presentation explores the project’s innovative approach to narrating transformation in marginal territories through co-designed transition pathways. Combining quantitative data on tourism flows and socio-economic structures with qualitative insights from surveys, interviews, and participatory workshops, the project develops a holistic understanding of destination dynamics. Stakeholders—including local inhabitants, second-home owners, tourists, and policymakers—are actively engaged in sensitive diagnoses and co-design laboratories to articulate shared visions, objectives, and actionable strategies. Each pilot area elaborates its own strategic plan, tailored to local challenges but connected to broader Alpine and European policy frameworks. Transition pathways include diversifying tourism offers, adapting seasonal activities, and strengthening socio-economic resilience while preserving natural and cultural assets. By integrating scientific evidence, community knowledge, and participatory governance, BeyondSnow demonstrates how Alpine destinations can transform ecological risks into opportunities for sustainable, year-round development. The project highlights that adaptation is not only technical but also social, requiring inclusive dialogue and collaborative visioning.