When it comes to the winter snow season, people have short memories. In a poor snow year, when rocks dot the slopes like pieces of shrapnel, and seemingly intent on destroying finely-tuned skis or snowboards, the doom and gloom in the air is so heavy you can almost touch it. During (and following) poor seasons, predictions of the ski industry’s imminent demise at the hands of climate change are never far away.

Then again, if the following December produces a thick blanket of snow all is forgotten, climate change is a myth and we can forget about switching to green power or fitting energy saving light bulbs. Of course, good season or bad, the retreating glaciers and increasing Alpine temperatures do not lie, climate change is happening and will continue to happen, thanks to government inaction and a general unwillingness by many people to alter their lifestyles.

Snow-dusted glaciers below the Aiguille du Midi, in the Chamonix Valley.

Various reports have been commissioned by those with an interest in the winter sports industry, both in Europe and the USA. One such report, carried out on behalf of Halifax Insurance, found evidence that European average Alpine temperatures had increased by 2ºC since the 1970s – three times the global average. With warming set to continue, the same report predicted a 30% reduction in snow cover by 2020 and a 50% reduction by 2050. With such bleak statistics, it comes as nosurprise that 40% of winter resorts could face economic hardship or bankruptcy as a result of climate change.

“40% of winter resorts could face economic hardship or bankruptcy as a result of climate change...”

The United Nations Environment Programme found that the snow line in Austria, for example, is likely to rise by 200-300 metres over the next 30-50 years. High altitude resorts are at less risk, although there is concern that increased pressure in such areas will damage local environments.

One of the most telling reports comes from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which tackles the question of what ski areas are doing about the problem. The damning verdict was that “most are using technology rather than changing behaviour patterns” and that they place “more emphasis on the status quo than transitions that might be economically and politically expensive in the short term.”

Fresh powder above Serre-Chevalier, Hautes-Alpes, France.

Artificial snow

Snow cannon are now a common sight at most resorts, and while they certainly play a part in supplementing natural snow cover, the long-term wisdom of relying on them is questionable. This is not least because generating the huge amounts of energy used to pump water required to create the 'snow' generally means burning ever more fossil fuels. And the burning of fossil fuels is what has led to conditions where snow cannons are needed... a perfect Catch-22 scenario. Breaking the vicious circle is, however, easier said than done.

The future for winter resorts

The need to diversify is greater than ever and the danger of placing long term faith in either the reliability of snowfalls or artificial snow production is clear. There are a great number of other ways to enjoy the incredible mountain environment throughout the year; some ‘ski’ resorts are at their most beautiful and interesting outside the main winter season.

All resorts have an urgent duty to reduce their impact on the natural environment. Organisations like Mountain Riders have sprung up as watchdogs and resorts can be compared and monitored from year to year.

How to have a more positive impact

A few careful choices when planning a ski holiday will set us off down a path towards a more sustainable future for mountain regions:

Choose a resort which is making an effort to be more environmentally responsible. Write to the Tourist Office to enquire about how they are doing this.

If possible avoid flying to the mountains – trains and buses are affordable, less-polluting alternatives. If you do fly, look for a reputable carbon-offset company.

Take a trip to the mountains in the summer. By supporting resorts outside the winter season you are helping them diversify.

Click here for more tips on respecting the mountains.

© Text by Ben Birt

Ben Birt is a ski instructor who works both on and off-piste with Snow Connections Ski and Snowboard School in Serre Chevalier, France.
He holds the highest BASI Instructor qualification - the International Ski Teacher Diploma. He also has a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and works as a freelance writer.