Ski resorts across Europe are sounding alarm bells as climate change continues to impact snowfall patterns, forcing many to shut their doors for good. With global heating leading to declining snow seasons, famous ski locations are struggling to stay afloat, and the situation is becoming dire for both the resorts and the communities relying on winter tourism.
Take the stories of Alpe du Grand Serre and Grand Puy, for example, two resorts situated high up among the French Alps. Both have announced their decision not to open this coming winter, joining the growing list of resorts permanently closing their slopes. Local councils cited increasing financial burdens alongside dwindling visitor numbers as significant factors leading to their closure, proving just how much global warming has shifted the winter sports ecosystem.
At Grand Puy, the resort, which has welcomed skiers for over 65 years, saw local voters overwhelmingly choose to shut down operations after years of battling declining snowfall. With 71% of participants voting for closure, the lift will be retiring after having served generations of families enjoying its affordable offerings. Unfortunately, the mountain community surrounding Grand Puy, particularly the small village of La Morte, stands to lose its main source of livelihood, inevitably impacting its economy.
“We just can’t keep up with the climate responsibility,” said local councillor Jean-Luc Descamps as he reflected on the decision made by the council. Tourist numbers have dropped, with some reports noting visitor counts halving over the past decade. Last season, the resort registered merely 6,000 skier days compared to 17,000 from earlier seasons, highlighting the scope of the decline.
Similar trends are observable throughout Europe, where scientists and locals alike note the staggering effects of climate change. A recent assessment highlighted the alarming reality: by the end of the century, just one of the twenty-one locations to host the Winter Olympics will still have the conditions suitable for skiing. The rest will face enormous challenges due to predictable changes to snowfall patterns.
Some resorts have opted to embrace change to survive, pivoting to year-round tourism to capture visitors during other seasons. Businesses have begun investing heavily to transform their operations, offering activities like hiking, trail biking, and gastronomy experiences to attract tourists outside the winter months.
Yet, others worry debris and damaged ecosystems are the cost of tourism. Local businesses depend on consistent traffic from winter sports enthusiasts. Thomas Ohlander, owner of the outdoor adventure business Do The North, is acutely aware of the impact. “Every year we’re pushed back later and later; this year, we’re counting on snow around December 4,” he lamented, recalling the considerably earlier dates of openings back in 1988. “That’s not just bad for ski season; it's disastrous for all local businesses.”
Some ski areas, primarily lower altitude resorts, are now leaning toward technological innovations like snow-making machinery to combat the unfavorable conditions. These systems help manage the thin snow layer but are expensive to operate and not without environmental concerns. Karl-Christoph Schrahe, a German winter sports consultant, shows optimism as he describes innovative solutions being explored. “They have begun to reverse the water flow feeding the snow cannon through turbines, generating some electricity,” Schrahe explained.
Despite the mixed feelings about relying on artificial snow, some experts, like Richard Sinclair from Sno, share fears over fulfilling customers’ demands for “snow surety.” “Without solid snow, our business is at risk” Sinclair noted, reflecting the sentiment felt across lower-altitude ski resorts. “This puts pressure on many small operators—they might not bounce back.”
Many ski enthusiasts cry out for clarity on future ski seasons as they raise questions around how climate policies will evolve. Resorts are implored to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, addressing concerns both economically and ecologically. The rising expenses of equipment to keep up snow production add to managing the alpine ecosystems, which are facing shifts due to climate change.
Stride forward to game plan 2030 or beyond, officials know their future hinges on adaptability rather than indifference. Poland’s ski resorts have begun to convert tourism paths for cycling, and some areas have introduced renewable energy technology to support their ambitions. The ski tourism model of the past is swiftly becoming obsolete as operators must adjust or face displacement.
"Skiing as we know it will need to evolve or face extinction," commented Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. His concern suggests warmer climates dictate the industry's future and urges resort managers to get creative with their offerings, embracing alternative revenue streams.
Overall, the tutorial from broken chairlifts and shuttered resorts paints a cautionary tale of the warm winters exacerbated by climate change. Sustainable efforts and innovative practices present flexible ways to navigate challenging times. The message is loud and clear: ski resorts must prioritize adaptation to survive, which means seeing beyond just the snow and ski poles. Whether entrepreneurs like Ohlander can refocus their businesses away from winter is yet to be seen, but it may be the key to keeping the slopes alive this century.
Despite the challenges, the essence of skiing as part of winter culture remains strong, powered by devotion to nature and collective experiences. It’s now up to industry and local communities to unite and preserve their cherished winters.
