Europe’s ski resorts are facing ‘existential crises’ due to the climate crisis

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says global warming has caused the “zero level” elevation where snow rests to rise by 250 meters over the past 50 years.

By 2026, the Swiss CH2018 climate change scenarios predict that the level will rise by 400-650 meters by 2060.

This could jeopardize the current face of the ski slopes in Europe’s most popular resorts. The potential for a snow-only landing above 1,500 meters would destroy parts of the Swiss resort of Verbier and the French “Three Valleys” resort of Courchevel.

Global warming is causing glaciers in the Alps to melt at a record pace, threatening the region’s precious ecosystems and wildlife. What could follow is an economic disaster if ski-dependent towns lose their main attraction.

To counter falling snow levels, resorts are already turning to artificial snow machines, which further contribute to climate change through extensive energy use.

The WMO has launched a new partnership with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to raise awareness of the existential threat to tourism and snow sports.

The FIS is based in the French ski resort of Chamonix, which would also see some of its slopes at risk from rising snow levels.

“The climate crisis is obviously much bigger than the FIS – or sport, for that matter: it is a real crossroads for humanity,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch.

“It is true, however, that climate change is, quite simply, an existential threat to skiing and snowboarding. We would be remiss if we did not make every possible effort that is rooted in science and objective analysis. This is what we are trying to pursue and what lies behind this promising partnership with the WMO.”

Snowfall has become increasingly erratic on Europe’s ski slopes in recent decades, particularly at lower elevations.

These areas were popular choices for wealthy travelers in the past due to their cold winters for skiing and hot summers for hiking. But more extreme weather and reduced snow is leaving them at risk.

Several resorts have been forced to shorten the length of their ski season as consistent snow cover begins later than normal and ends earlier than in the past.

Last year, Knight Frank reported that a growing number of wealthy buyers were buying property in the Alps, partly motivated by increasingly warmer temperatures closer to the equator.

Three out of five buyers surveyed by Knight Frank, however, said they were concerned about the impact of climate change on their resorts.