The European Alps face a number of major threats - from habitat loss to pollution, from mass tourism to the impacts of climate change. The European alpine climate has changed significantly during the past century, with temperatures increasing more than twice the global average. This makes alpine mountains especially vulnerable to changes in the hydrological cycle and decreases in snow and glacier cover, which are already occurring. In winter, artificial snow-making is currently the most widespread strategy to extend and supplement natural snow cover and secure winter tourism. Artificial snow-making is not only very costly, but also has knock-on effects such as increased water consumption and energy demand or ecological damage, which may lead to negative externalities. The European Alps facing the challenge of changing climate and anthropogenic pressures.