What will the future of skiing look like without action?

The future of skiing will likely be changed forever by climate change if action is not taken now to mitigate the effects of global warming. As ski resorts begin to face shorter winters, reduced snowfall, and an increasing reliance on artificial snowmaking, operating a ski resort may soon be infeasible. The degrading snowpack may not be enough to support the ski industry, as the accumulated snow slowly disappears or retreats to higher elevations. The first resorts to go will be in the lower-altitude regions as it will be very difficult to maintain consistent snow coverage. Even at higher elevations, the skiing season will shrink, and the winter sports we know and love will become much less accessible.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. The future of skiing is at a critical juncture where the fate of winter sports will be decided. Collaborative action must be taken to invest in sustainable energy, reduce emissions, and enact policies worldwide to combat climate change.