Following the example of several major cities that have begun regulating tourist flows, some mountain destinations are also taking action. Starting this summer, for instance, access to the Auronzo Hut — at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, on the border between South Tyrol and Veneto — will be limited, with mandatory online reservations for both cars and public transport [5]. A similar model will be rolled out next year in Madonna di Campiglio, a popular ski resort in Trentino [6].

These measures aim to protect the landscape and the fragile Alpine ecosystem — but they’re not without controversy. Many fear that required reservations and added costs could turn the mountains into a privilege for the few, excluding those without the resources or flexibility to plan ahead [5].

One active alternative to mass tourism is the promotion of sustainable tourism, especially in the form of slow travel — walking, train journeys, and stays in small villages. But even this model needs careful thought, to avoid becoming just another version of the same problem.

Slow doesn’t always mean low impact. A case in point: in Abruzzo, the surge in photographers and hikers eager to “capture” the rare Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) has led the National Park to close off a trail, to prevent disturbance to the animals [7].

As Pietro Lacasella from L’AltraMontagna points out: “The mountains belong to everyone” many say. And they wouldn’t be wrong — if that phrase weren’t so often used to justify environmentally harmful behavior or exclusive initiatives. Maybe it’s time to rethink it: “The mountains don’t belong to everyone, only to those who respect them”. This a principle we should hold on to, on our way to becoming more mindful residents and travelers [8].

Cover image: A group of people standing on top of a mountain. Free-source photo by selcuk s on Unsplash.

This article is part of the project “Quiz Ambientali per un Trentino Più Verde!” carried out by Econtrovertia APS and sponsored by Fondazione Cassa Rurale di Trento (Notice of Approval of December 20, 2024).