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Global warming will take skiing to new heights

New research shows distinct lack of snow at low altitude

featured in News & reviews Author Robin Deering, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

This winter has been record breaking with reports coming in at various stages; driest start to the winter, snowiest winter since ‘99, biggest temperature difference recorded from -20 to +20 in a few weeks....

Individually these stats and figures could be insignificant but globally we are seeing changes in our favourite ski resorts that are affecting how, when and where we ski.

A Swiss report produced by the WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research) and the SLF (Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research) has successfully analysed the proportion of snowfall days relative to precipitation days. The report looked at data collected over the last 100 years spanning elevations from 200 to 2700 metres.

The results show a clear decreasing trend in snowfall days relative to precipitation days.

Meteo France have concluded that our winter ski seasons as we know them are on borrowed time, predicting significant changes from 2030 that will really start to impact our ski resorts.

In accordance with the Swiss reports, Meteo France claim the Alps will see a continual rise in the snow/rain limit. But according to calculations it’s after 2030 that the situation becomes transitional, below 1800 metres there simply won’t be anymore snow. However, above 2000 metres the snow will be there until the end of the century.

These reports remain predictions, so ultimately there is hope, but change needs to happen.

The simple fact that ski resorts are financially dependant on snowfall makes them amongst the most environmentally aware places to be.

The typical skier or snowboarder is passionate about the sport and has a healthy appreciation for nature.Together skier and resort need to actively do their bit, this means the skier needs to seek greener choices and put pressure on the resort when the choice isn’t there.