Europe’s ski resorts are facing a bleak future due to warm and unpredictable weather patterns that have left slopes snowless in recent years. This trend has already impacted the current ski season, with one French resort even deciding to close its lifts for good due to a lack of snow, dwindling visitor numbers, and increasing debt. The problem extends beyond France, with ski towns in Austria, Bosnia, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also struggling due to high temperatures. Those at low and medium elevations have been hit the hardest, leading to overcrowding at high-altitude resorts. The ski industry is at risk as we emerge from the hottest summer on record, with concerns about the future of winter skiing seasons.
Climate change is the primary factor behind Europe’s rising temperatures, but in 2024, this was exacerbated by the weather phenomenon El Niño. This natural occurrence in the Pacific Ocean causes warm water to flow East, bringing excessive heat to certain regions. As we transition out of this climate system, La Niña is expected to take over, which typically has a cooling effect. This shift could potentially lead to a winter that is cooler than the last, which may benefit Europe’s ski resorts. The UK’s Met Office predicts that La Niña could result in increased precipitation, potentially bringing heavier and more frequent snowfall. However, the impact of La Niña on the ski industry is uncertain, as it can be influenced by other global climate drivers.
For those planning a ski trip this winter, higher altitude resorts may offer a more reliable snow experience. Resorts like Avoriaz, Tignes, Val d’Isère, and Val Thorens in France are expected to open in late November. Finnish resorts Levi and Ruka, as well as Austria’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and Sölden and Ischgl, are also popular choices for early season skiing. In Switzerland, Diavolezza is expected to open in October, while Cervinia in the Italian Alps is another snow-sure option. Unfortunately, it may be too late for some resorts that have already had to close down due to economic losses related to declining snowfall.
Although climate change poses challenges for the ski industry, travelers can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint when visiting ski resorts. The energy and water resources required to operate lifts, snow machines, and hotels make skiing a carbon-intensive activity. Between 50 and 80 percent of the industry’s emissions come from holidaymakers traveling to and from resorts. To address this issue, Eurostar Snow will operate ski trains to the French Alps starting in December, offering a more sustainable travel option than flying. Other ski destinations can also be reached by rail, such as Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo via the Espresso Cadore sleeper train. Considering the environmental impact of travel is crucial as the ski industry navigates an uncertain future due to climate change.
