A tale of environmental transformation unfolds in the shadow of the Friulian Dolomites and the Julian Alps. “Once Upon Ski” journeys into the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where over 25 ski slopes once thrived, cherished by the communities nestled within these majestic mountains. From the 1970s to the 1990s, these slopes weren’t just recreational spaces but lifelines of social cohesion and micro-economic activity, vital to the fabric of local life.

However, as the climate crisis deepens, its impact is palpably felt. Massive weather disasters are just the tip of the iceberg—below the surface, the crisis reshapes economies and societies. Ski slopes, intimately tied to the natural bounty of snow, are fading into history due to rising temperatures and the escalating altitudes at which snow now falls. This shift has led to the gradual abandonment of these cherished places, turning vibrant community hubs into silent relics of structural archeology. This change was accelerated by regional regulations limiting the operation of cableways to 30 years, sealing the fate of many slopes.

Today, these once bustling slopes stand as monuments to a bygone era. “Once Upon Ski” seeks to document the profound social and cultural shifts brought about by these changes. Through a blend of stunning landscape photography and intimate portraits, the project captures the poignant contrasts between the vibrant past and the quiet present. Archival photographs, videos, audio recordings, and technical maps weave together the narrative, offering a multi-dimensional exploration of how a community’s heartbeat can slow to silence.

The goal of “Once Upon Ski” is more than just the preservation of memory—it’s an urgent call to recognize and respond to the evolving challenges posed by our changing climate. It is a tribute to the resilience of mountain communities and a meditation on their loss and legacy.