Destination Magazin Nr.3/2019 EN

EDITORIAL
Dear guests,
WELCOME TO YOUR HOLIDAYS!
As I come to write this editorial on this sunny afternoon, I’m sat
on my balcony looking up at the Mischabel chain. The glacier is
glistening in the late autumn sun and the mountain’s lower slopes
are carpeted in yellow-green larch and pine forests. The sight takes
my breath away, but brings little comfort. The roar of cascading
meltwater is occupying my thoughts.
As I am writing this, it has been just one week since Greta
Thunberg delivered her historical, inflammatory speech to the
United Nations and the reaction has been explosive. Opinions of
the young Swede vary, but the 16-year-old has managed to do what
many have failed at before her: she has put the climate change
debate front and centre of the world stage. What struck me most
about Greta‘s speech was its radical nature. But as I sit here today,
literally watching the glacier melt in front of my eyes, I cannot help
but wonder if even Greta is radical enough. And whether “radical”
is an adequate word at all.
Since the industrial revolution, average temperatures in
Switzerland have risen by around two degrees Celsius. That‘s more
than twice the global average. In Saas-Fee, that has meant rapid
melting of the glaciers – glaciers which are both an important part
of our livelihood and an integral element of the Saas Valley. We
have therefore decided to dedicate this winter edition to the ice
world of the Saas Valley. We want to highlight its majesty, both in
pictures and words. In doing so, we hope to do our bit to increase
people’s awareness of climate change and its impact on our environment,
not just in the future, but right now.
I strongly recommend you take a look at the article about
Felix Keller on page 12. The glaciologist is researching ways to save
our glaciers. On page 18 you can discover how Thomas Zurbriggen
prepares the glacier piste of Hohsaas, and on page 60 we introduce
you to one of the Saas Valley’s main attractions: glacier trekking.
Puzzle Media presents a unique series of photographs of
our local Ice Worlds, juxtaposing its different elements across four
double-page spreads.
Enjoy our look at the Ice Worlds on paper, and then enjoy it
in the real world! I wish you a wonderful stay in the Saas Valley and
hope it brings many unforgettable moments.
With warmest regards,
Yolanda Josephine