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Alps Confront Severe Snow Shortfall as Warmth Hampers Snowmaking

An unusually warm December is forcing reliance on artificial snow, with FIS citing delays in production for 2026 venues.

Overview

  • Measured snow cover in the Dolomites is down sharply, with deficits of 78.1% in Trentino and 75% in South Tyrol versus the 2011–2025 average, according to Cima.
  • The freezing level is frequently above 2,000 meters, leaving many pistes dependent on artificial snow and exposing green slopes next to prepared runs in places such as Cortina d’Ampezzo.
  • Local monitoring shows persistent above-freezing conditions in parts of Trentino and South Tyrol, including only one brief dip below 0°C in Centa San Nicolò since early December and continuous positives in Nova Ponente in the month’s second half.
  • FIS President Johan Eliasch reported unexplained delays in snow production and highlighted Livigno, while local officials pledged adequate coverage and noted positive venue checks ahead of a scheduled World Cup Super-G on December 27.
  • Snow-water reserves are also diminished, with the Adige basin showing a 52.54% drop in snow water volume compared with the 2011–2024 mean, signaling reduced winter water storage.