Simulating the effects of increased ski-lift capacities on waiting times

Across Europe and the rest of the world, skiing enjoys great popularity. However, it is assumed that the number of ski areas that will remain climatically operable will decrease dramatically in the near future. Accordingly, overcrowding and longer waiting times at ski-lift stations are identified as an economic threat to skiing areas. In this study, we investigate the mitigation potential of increasing the ski-lift capacities in the small Austrian ski resort of Fanningberg. To analyse the relationship between waiting time, number of skiers and ski-lift capacity, we implemented an agent-based simulation model. Results indicate diminishing returns in terms of waiting-time reduction with a further increase of ski-lift capacities.