The Ski Industry Faces Terrifying Implications from Climate Change: Exploring Potential Outcomes in a Warmer World

The USA’s ski industry, valued at up to $58 billion annually, is confronting the alarming reality of climate change, which the National Ski Areas Association deems “the number one threat to the snowsports industry.” Traditionally, snow has been the “white gold” for skiers, but with the global rise in temperatures, the overall decrease in snowfall is becoming a significant concern. The Rutgers University Global Snow Lab notes that between 1972 and 2020, the average portion of North America covered by snow declined at a rate of about 1,870 square miles per year, equivalent to the size of Delaware.

The Ski Areas Association emphasizes that climate change poses an existential threat to the industry, extending beyond skiing and riding. Adrienne Saia Isaac, the association’s spokesperson, underscores that the snowsports industry is heavily weather-dependent, making snow a crucial factor. The uncertainty inherent in the industry is exacerbated by climate change, impacting ski areas across 37 states and six regions.

According to a 2021 research study in Tourism Management Perspectives, climate change represents a substantial risk to the profitability and sustainability of ski tourism. Reduced and more variable natural snow, coupled with increased snowmaking requirements and costs, contributes to this risk.

Recent declines in snow-related metrics across the United States underscore the immediate impact of climate change on the ski industry:

1. Total snowfall has decreased in many regions since 1930, with 57% of stations reporting a decline, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
2. From 1972 to 2013, the U.S. snow cover season shortened by nearly two weeks, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
3. From 1982 to 2021, the snowpack season became shorter at about 86% of the sites where snowpack was measured, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

While ski seasons were getting longer in the 1980s to 2000s due to massive investments in snowmaking, this trend has halted in the 2010s. Despite efforts to offset warming through snowmaking, Daniel Scott, a geography professor at the University of Waterloo, notes that as temperatures rise, the era of peak ski seasons in the U.S. has passed.

The ski industry is taking climate change seriously, engaging with policymakers, investing in green technology, and advocating for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Elizabeth Burakowski, a climate scientist at the University of New Hampshire, acknowledges these efforts and emphasizes the industry’s commitment to addressing climate change.

While the ski industry has seen record skier visits and unique domestic participants, extreme weather events are impacting ski areas. Snowmaking, while providing some resilience, has technical limits. As temperatures approach freezing, snowmaking becomes less efficient, posing challenges for maintaining consistent ski seasons.

Looking ahead, the future of the U.S. ski industry is at a crossroads. Under a low-emission future aligned with Paris Climate Agreement targets, the industry may see some changes, but skiing would persist in major regional markets. However, if emissions continue on their current trajectory, the ski industry could undergo a radical transformation, impacting not only skiing but also the après-ski culture in a high-emission world.

In conclusion, the ski industry faces significant challenges from climate change, requiring a concerted effort to navigate the impact on snow-dependent activities. As industry stakeholders grapple with the implications, the path forward involves both adapting to the changing climate and advocating for broader environmental initiatives to ensure the sustainability of this iconic winter sport.