Landscape changes caused by high altitude ski-pistes affect bird species richness and distribution in the Alps

► We model the response of alpine bird communities to ski-pistes at a landscape scale. ► Study area in North-western Italy is intersected by several ski-piste developments. ► Increasing extent of ski-piste edge causes lower grassland species richness. ► Water pipit, wheatear and black redstart are negatively affected by ski-piste edge. ► Ski-pistes are perceived by birds as detrimental features of the alpine landscape.