Pitztal glacier excavations draw criticism as operators secure ski-area route

Excavators have been working at the Mittelbergferner glacier in Austria since Monday, prompting criticism on social media.

The Pitztal Glacier ski-area operator says the work is needed to secure an emergency route within the resort as the glacier retreats.

The Tyrol government confirmed the purpose and said no separate nature-protection permit is required for this work.

The state says maintenance plans for glacier ski areas are reviewed and approved every three years.

The work has raised concern because the glacier is rapidly shrinking, with recent loss linked to low winter snowfall and high summer temperatures.

The WWF argues that allowing such work without a separate permit points to weak glacier protections and wants stronger rules.

The Imst district authority has checked the case, while the operator says it is coordinating with officials; the exact route affected has not been made clear.