By Melissa Brown
Climate change is threatening the long-term survival of skiing in the mountains of Europe. Here, we look at how the problem is affecting resorts.
In June 2009, a report by the Alpine Convention warned that the Alps are suffering acute environmental disruption due to climate change. Environmental conditions are polarising between flooding in the north and an increasingly rain-deprived south, the report explains. Climate change is beginning to affect not only the winter sports industry, but also the Alpine communities that rely on local natural resources.
Snowfall patterns
In recent years, the Alps have recorded some of the lowest snow levels on record, with 2006 and 2007 being particularly bad years. The winter of 2008/2009, however, saw bumper snowfalls, despite temperatures remaining unusually high.
This fantastic snow came as welcome relief for holidaymakers and resort owners alike. What it did not signal is an end to the problem of global warming for ski resorts.
Rising temperatures
In September 2009, the European Environment Agency (EEA) reported that over the past century temperatures in the Alps had risen by 1.5°C, more than twice the global average.
Each degree rise causes the snowline to rise approximately 150 metres further up the mountain, according to research for the Alpine Convention.
And in December 2006, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warned that within 15 years, a quarter of Alpine skiing areas will not be able to offer reliable skiing.
Between 1995 and 2000, the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) noted a decrease in size of 273 out of the 284 glaciers analysed in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France.
How ski resorts are affected
Clearly, these changes are of great concern to Alpine communities. Those dependent on tourism are losing income from bad seasons and closed resorts, while lowland communities are feeling the effects of changing water systems and competition with ski resorts for resources.
Low altitude resorts face a deficit in natural snowfall, risking closure. If this begins to happen, there will be fewer resorts available. That could mean higher prices and more crowded slopes.
Some resorts are developing alternative attractions to lure in holidaymakers. GPS treks, biking and paragliding are just some of the sporting extras now available. Other resorts offer spa treatments, ice rinks and local Christmas markets. Those add-ons are welcome, but they are not the reason we visit.
Smaller resorts that lose their snow and are unable to diversity may be forced to close. The result: less choice for skiers and more environmental pressure on the surviving resorts.
Is artificial snow the answer?
Artificial snow can keep ski resorts open when natural snow fails, but it is only effective if temperatures are sufficifiently low. Find out more about how snow is made, the costs and its effect on the environment.