Climate Change Threatens Global Ski Resorts with Significant Snow Loss

A new study reveals that up to 13% of ski areas could lose all natural snow cover by the end of the century, with major skiing regions facing dramatic declines in snowfall.

Annual snow cover days in major skiing regions are projected to decrease dramatically due to climate change, affecting popular destinations worldwide.
1 in 8 ski areas could lose all natural snow cover this century under high emission scenarios, with the Australian Alps and Southern Alps among the hardest hit.
The economic profitability of ski resorts is expected to decline globally as they may need to move or expand into less populated areas, threatening alpine ecosystems.
Artificial snow production and technical snowmaking practices may become more prevalent as resorts adapt to reduced natural snowfall.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bayreuth, highlights the spatial shifts of ski area distributions and the potential threats to high-elevation ecosystems.