How is climate change affecting European ski resorts?

Climate change is causing higher temperatures and less natural snowfall, forcing resorts to rely on costly artificial snow and increasing ski pass prices.

What are the costs of producing artificial snow?

Producing artificial snow is expensive, with costs ranging from €2 to €3.8 per cubic metre of water, and it requires significant water and electricity resources.

Home / Environment / Ski Resorts Face Snow Crisis as Climate Heats Up

Ski Resorts Face Snow Crisis as Climate Heats Up

Q: Will the Winter Olympics continue to be held in the same locations?

A 2021 study suggests that without significant climate action, many past Winter Olympic host locations will become unsuitable for future games by mid-century.

4 Jan

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Summary

Climate change threatens Europe's ski industry due to rising temperatures.
Artificial snow is costly and environmentally impactful, raising ski pass prices.
Without climate action, many Winter Olympics host locations will become unsuitable.

Ski Resorts Face Snow Crisis as Climate Heats Up

Europe's cherished winter sports industry faces an existential threat from escalating global temperatures and diminishing snow cover. Resorts are increasingly dependent on artificial snow, a costly and resource-intensive solution that raises operational expenses and ski pass prices. This situation makes snow sports less accessible and poses a significant challenge to the long-term viability of mountain economies.

The International Olympic Committee acknowledges the severe impact of global warming on winter sports. Projections indicate that without drastic climate action, many past Winter Olympic host locations will become unsuitable for future games by mid-century. Even adhering to the Paris Agreement limits global warming to 2°C, only a reduced number of historical venues would remain viable.