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Lost Snows of the Alps traces snow as both a cultural legacy and an ecological lifeline woven through the Alps’ past, present, and uncertain future. For centuries, snow and glaciers shaped alpine life —fueling myth, exploration, and the rise of mountain culture and winter tourism. Today, that same snow is vanishing at an unprecedented rate, as temperatures in the Alps climb faster than the global average.
Through landscapes in transition, the film examines how declining snowfall and retreating glaciers are reshaping alpine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, altering water systems, and destabilizing communities whose livelihoods depend on winter conditions. Rather than centering solely on loss, Lost Snows of the Alps turns its focus to those on the front lines—scientists, mountain guides, athletes, and conservation groups such as Protect Our Winters—who are documenting change, raising awareness, and advocating for more sustainable futures. In their stories, snow becomes both a measure of what is being lost and a symbol of what can still be protected through collective action. |
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
It’s so easy to fall in love with the Alps, and to understand why they have been such an inspiring presence for poets and painters, hikers and skiers. But today with the impact of climate change, the Alps are now facing unforeseen challenges.
After a career with National Geographic Films, I’m now teaching Environmental Filmmaking at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Not long ago, I ventured out to the French Alps with a small group of former students. My “Greenies” as I call them, for their love of the environment. While they too were enchanted by the Alps, we were all somewhat disheartened to learn of the impact of global warming on the decline in snow cover and its impact on glacial loss.
But we were also inspired by the way the outdoor sports communities have come together to enlighten visitors about the critical importance of Alpine snow cover. And to take action regarding climate change wherever the visitors come from. Local educators too are instilling in the younger generation a love of the mountains that hopefully will lead them to carry on the crusade against global warming.
We too have become crusaders – dedicating our filmmaking skills to enlightening viewers about the critical importance of saving the snows of the Alps.
After a career with National Geographic Films, I’m now teaching Environmental Filmmaking at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Not long ago, I ventured out to the French Alps with a small group of former students. My “Greenies” as I call them, for their love of the environment. While they too were enchanted by the Alps, we were all somewhat disheartened to learn of the impact of global warming on the decline in snow cover and its impact on glacial loss.
But we were also inspired by the way the outdoor sports communities have come together to enlighten visitors about the critical importance of Alpine snow cover. And to take action regarding climate change wherever the visitors come from. Local educators too are instilling in the younger generation a love of the mountains that hopefully will lead them to carry on the crusade against global warming.
We too have become crusaders – dedicating our filmmaking skills to enlightening viewers about the critical importance of saving the snows of the Alps.