Ski season is looking pretty unpredictable these days. If you’re eagerly planning your next adventure to the slopes, you might want to rethink that strategy.
Climate change is having a direct impact on ski resorts worldwide, and some are closing down due to a lack of snow.
The Impact of Climate Change on Ski Resorts
Snowfall patterns are changing, and fast. Ski resorts across Europe, North America, and beyond are reporting shorter seasons, less snowfall, and more closures. In fact, resorts in the French Alps have already announced closures due to poor snow coverage. The Alps are one of the areas hardest hit, with warmer winters and less consistent snowfall becoming the new norm.
Not Just Europe—It’s Global
It’s not just the Alps; ski resorts in North America, particularly in California and the Pacific Northwest, are feeling the pressure. Some are investing heavily in snow-making machines, while others are simply closing their doors earlier each year.
Planning Your Ski Trip: Where to Go Now?
So, where can you go to find reliable snow these days? Let’s explore a few options that will keep your ski dreams alive.
1. Go High or Go Home: Elevation Matters
Ski resorts at higher elevations still have reliable snow. Destinations like Zermatt in Switzerland and Whistler in Canada continue to attract snow lovers due to their high altitude, making them less vulnerable to the warming climate. If you’re willing to travel, these locations are still great options.
2. Head to the Southern Hemisphere
When the Northern Hemisphere is seeing less snow, it’s summer in places like Chile and New Zealand, where the ski season runs from June to October. If you’ve got flexibility, why not head south for a mid-year ski trip?
3. Early Booking is Key
In my earlier post, Why Waiting to Book Could Cost You Big This Ski Season, I mentioned the importance of booking early for the best deals and snow availability. This holds truer than ever. With resorts having shorter seasons, you don’t want to miss out by waiting until the last minute.
Adapting to the New Normal: Flexibility is Your Friend
If you’re serious about skiing in 2024-2025, flexibility is key. Opt for resorts that offer flexible bookings, allowing cancellations or date changes. Given the unpredictable weather, you don’t want to be locked into a trip that ends up snowless.
1. Look for Snow Guarantees
Some resorts offer snow guarantees—if there’s not enough snow, they’ll refund your booking or let you reschedule. Check out resorts in Austria and Canada, which are known for their customer-friendly policies.
2. Maximize Your Time on the Slopes
Consider shorter trips that let you be more agile. By staying closer to home or choosing a resort with reliable snow, you can make the most of your time without the worry of a long vacation getting derailed.
The Environmental Toll of Ski Resorts
Ski resorts themselves are part of the problem. From the energy used in snow-making machines to the development of mountainsides, many resorts contribute to environmental degradation. It’s a harsh irony, but sustainable practices are slowly being adopted.
For example, some resorts are moving toward renewable energy sources and are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s crucial to support resorts that are eco-conscious. By choosing sustainable destinations, you’re not just securing a better trip but also supporting the fight against climate change.
The Changing Borders of Europe
If you want a closer look at how climate change is affecting more than just your vacation, check out my post, Italy and Switzerland Move Their Border. It dives deep into the environmental shifts causing entire borders to be redrawn due to glacier melt. It’s a powerful reminder that what’s happening on the ski slopes is part of a much larger problem.
Alternatives to Skiing
So, what if the snow isn’t coming back to your favorite slopes? It might be time to diversify your winter sports experience.
1. Snowshoeing and Hiking
Even if the snowpack isn’t enough for skiing, snowshoeing is a great way to explore the mountains. Plus, it’s a lot easier to find trails that are open in lower-snow conditions.
2. Indoor Skiing
Yes, indoor skiing is a thing. In places like Dubai and The Netherlands, massive indoor ski slopes are available year-round. While it might not be the same as hitting the great outdoors, it’s a fun alternative if you’re craving the feeling of snow beneath your skis.
3. Winter Festivals
Many ski towns are adapting to these changes by offering winter festivals and activities that don’t rely on skiing. From ice sculpture competitions to hot spring retreats, you can still enjoy a winter wonderland without needing the perfect powder day.
Looking Ahead: Is This the End of Skiing?
The question looming over many travelers is: is this the end of skiing as we know it? While the future is uncertain, it’s clear that skiing, like so many other outdoor activities, will need to adapt. Higher elevations and better snow-making technology are stop-gap solutions, but if we don’t tackle the root of the problem—climate change—the sport could become a luxury for only the highest resorts.
Taking Action as a Traveler
As a traveler, you can play a role in the solution. Support sustainable resorts, offset your carbon footprint, and stay informed. The mountains you love depend on it.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Leona Augusto.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
