PROJEKT FROST.INI
Degradation of Permafrost and Instability of Alpine Infrastructure
High-alpine regions are particularly affected by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, which bring new and previously unforeseen challenges. One of these challenges concerns the highest, permanently frozen peaks of the Alps, where the continuous degradation of permafrost contributes to reduced slope stability and causes significant damage to alpine infrastructure that was considered safe in recent decades.
The aim of the FROST.INI project (Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria) is to (i) better understand the effects of ongoing permafrost degradation in the Austrian-Italian Alps, (ii) identify associated alpine natural hazards, and (iii) develop solution-oriented strategies and guidelines for the growing challenges faced by operators of high-altitude infrastructure. To achieve this, the project integrates in-situ measurements and remote sensing data from selected pilot sites, complemented by the development of digital twins.
FROST.INI brings together the experience and expertise of project partners from science, industry, and public administration, creating an ideal environment for developing practical concepts and solutions. Cross-border cooperation activities and transnational use of the results contribute to improved climate change adaptation in the Austrian-Italian Alps.
PROFILE
Contribution GEORESEARCH: Project Partner
Project Partners: National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS (Lead), Autonome Provinz Bozen - Südtirol, Eurac, Land Salzburg
Project Duration: 03/2025 - 02/2027
Funding: Interreg VI-A Italia-Austria 2021-2027
FROST.INI Permafrost Boreholes Adlersruhe
As part of the FROST.INI project, we drilled two new permafrost boreholes in early September 2025 in the immediate vicinity of the Erzherzog-Johann Hut (“Adlersruhe”), at an elevation of 3,450 m. At 20 meters each, they are the highest boreholes in the Eastern Alps and the third-highest in the entire Alpine region. In the future, they will provide valuable insights into the dynamics of permafrost degradation.
...read more
FROST.INI Article Kronen Zeitung
The Kronen Zeitung recently dedicated an in-depth feature to our research within the FROST.INI project. The article focused on the preparations for the deep permafrost drilling at the Erzherzog-Johann-Hut (Adlersruhe) and on the drone surveys conducted in the summit area of the Großglockner to measure glacier ice thickness.
...read article
FROST.INI Results Stakeholder Survey
Prior to the stakeholder meeting, a transnational survey on permafrost was carried out to capture the current level of knowledge as well as the needs and challenges of the professional community. The survey was actively promoted during the event and also distributed by email to all invited stakeholders.
...view results
FROST.INI Video Feature & Online Article
A team of journalists from the Salzburg media correspondence accompanied the FROST.INI stakeholder excursion to the Kitzsteinhorn and captured footage of our maintenance work on the local permafrost monitoring system. The resulting video feature and a news report on the objectives and key topics of the FROST.INI project are linked below.
...watch video
FROST.INI Stakeholder-Meeting and Excursion
On April 3 and 4, 2025, the stakeholder meeting of the FROST.INI project took place at Kaprun Castle. As part of a workshop and presentation program on April 3, the project agenda was presented and stakeholders were invited to participate in discussions. On April 4, an excursion to the Open-Air Lab Kitzsteinhorn took place.
...more
FROST.INI Kickoff-Meeting, Trieste (ITA)
On March 11 and 12, 2025, the opening events of the FROST.INI project took place in Trieste. During the kickoff meeting on March 11, the project's research priorities were presented and the pilot sites were determined. On March 12, a public event was held in the Aula Magna of the Miramare Campus, during which permafrost risks in the Italian-Austrian Alpine region and climate change adaptation measures were discussed.
...more
FUNDING
Interreg Italia - Österreich
Project Partner
National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics
Autonome Provinz Bozen-Südtirol
11.6 Amt für Geologie und Baustoffprüfung
Land Salzburg
Abteilung 6 - Infrastructure and Transport
REFERENCES
Sorgenfall Permafrost - Wenn unsere Berge zu schmelzen beginnen. Kronen Zeitung, 04.09.2025.
Permafrost am Kitzsteinhorn wird erforscht. Salzburger Landeskorrespondenz, 06.04.2025.
Salzburg: Permafrost am Kitzsteinhorn wird erforscht. Regionews.at, 06.04.2025.
Interreg-Veranstaltungsankündigung des FROST.INI Stakeholder-Meetings in Kaprun (Ö), 03.-04.2025.
Nicht nur Eis: Permafrost. Radio-Interview mit Antonio Bratus auf RaiPlay Sound, 18.03.2025.
Interreg-Veranstaltungsankündigung des FROST.INI Kickoff-Meetings & Public Events in Trieste (ITA), 11.-12.03.2025.
