Human Interaction with Glacial Landscapes

• Glaciers leave behind valuable deposits of sand and gravel. Eskers and moraines are a valuable resource for the construction industry. Companies extract the deposits and transport them to the customers for use in the construction industry.
• Glaciated landscapes are beautiful scenic areas that attract tourists. Hill walking, mountain climbing and in some countries skiing, provide recreational activities for people looking for a holiday.

Tourism in Switzerland

• Tourism based on the glacial landscape in Switzerland contains features such as the pyramidal peak the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau-Aletsch, the largest Alpine glacier in Eurasia.

• Tourism is the 6th biggest export in Switzerland.

• Tourism is year round and in upland areas it hosts walking in summer and skiing in winter.

• Due to the effects of climate change, “sure snow” is no longer guaranteed in the region.

• Resorts below 1000 feet have had to use snow cannons to replenish the missing snow on their slopes.

• Sustainable tourism is a priority as tourism based on the glaciated landscapes is so important to the local communities and the future generations.