Empowering nordic skiing - Open data for smarter and sustainable winter tourism
In a time of climatic change and shifting tourist expectations, the winter tourism sector must reinvent itself. The EU-funded project "E-DNS – Empowering Nordic Ski in the Dolomites" (2024-2027) aims to redefine the future of Nordic skiing through digital innovation, data-driven solutions and cross-border cooperation.
Led by the cross-country regional network Dolomiti NordicSki and the region of Osttirol, E-DNS involves 8 tourism areas in South Tyrol, Osttirol, and the Province of Belluno. The project focuses on improving the quality and sustainability of nordic ski infrastructure while enhancing real-time communication with guests.
A core element is the integration of open data from Open Data Hub into Contwise Map, a digital platform developed in partnership with the company General Solutions. Through real-time visualization of trail conditions, mobility data, and POIs, Contwise Map empowers both guests and local operators. This allows for the creation of smart slopes: dynamically managed trails offering the best possible experience based on current snow, weather, and infrastructure conditions.
The use of Contwise Infra also enables regions to better manage resources, optimize trail maintenance, and respond more efficiently to environmental changes. Data becomes a strategic asset—supporting planning, sustainability, and transparency.
This talk presents the real use case of how open data—especially in the tourism and mobility sector—can trigger systemic transformation in destination management, improve guest experience, and promote a more sustainable, connected winter tourism model.
The project demonstrates the potential of collaborative innovation between tourism actors, tech providers, and open data ecosystems such as NOI Techpark and Open Data Hub.
