The Climate Crisis and Ski Centres: Adapting to Environmental Challenges ???

18 April 2024 | Andjela Djokic

As we delve deeper into the 21st century, the undeniable reality of climate change continues to cast its shadow over various sectors of our society. Among the many affected industries, ski resorts are poignant examples of the profound impact of environmental shifts. With warmer temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns becoming the norm, ski destinations across the Northern Hemisphere are facing unprecedented challenges, threatening their economic viability and the very essence of winter sports culture.

??? The Changing Landscape

The evidence of climate change’s toll on ski resorts is striking. Over the past two decades, the US ski industry alone has suffered losses exceeding $5 billion due to dwindling snowfall attributed to human-induced global heating. This trend is mirrored across Europe, too, where iconic destinations in France, Austria, and Bosnia have witnessed alarming declines in snow cover, leading to operational shutdowns and financial strains.

The severity of the situation is exacerbated by global warming’s relentless march. The year 2024 has already made headlines as one of the hottest on record, setting new benchmarks for temperature extremes and weather extremes with long drought periods followed by forest fires, when the ground should be thickly covered with snow. This unrelenting heat disrupts traditional winter seasons and jeopardises vital water reserves essential for ecosystems and communities reliant on snowmelt.

Here's what Kirsi Hyvaerinen , HYV? Coaching & Consulting, Coach and Auditor of Green Destinations with Balkan Green , has to say about the scenario:

Winters, as we know them, are at stake. Even under an optimistic emissions reduction scenario in one of the topical climate studies, ski season lengths are projected to shorten by 14-33 days in the 2050s, with an 80% reduction in some locations by 2090. It is simply ignorant to build new megalomaniac ski centres where reliable amounts of snow have already passed. Investments in the resilience of rural and mountain areas need diversification, space and resource protection measures – and thinking in the long run.

??? Adapting to Survive

Amidst these daunting challenges, ski resorts must explore adaptive strategies to ensure their resilience in the face of climate change. Several factors come into play when assessing a resort's capacity to weather the storm:

?? Elevation Matters

Resorts situated at higher elevations (above 2000 m) hold a distinct advantage, as colder temperatures increase the likelihood of sustained snow cover, providing a buffer against warmer climates.

?? Investing in Snowmaking

The ability to produce artificial snow has become a lifeline for many resorts, offering a facade of control over unpredictable weather patterns. However, this solution has challenges, including increased water consumption and energy demands.

?? Diversification of Offerings

Resorts embracing a broader spectrum of activities beyond traditional skiing, such as mountain biking and hiking, can mitigate the impact of shorter winter seasons and attract visitors year-round. Not only biking and hiking, but also, well-guided tour skiing, winter walks, sledges, experience tours such as bushcraft and similar, spa & wellness offer, horseback riding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and much more!

Resorts located in regions less exposed to drastic temperature rises or where precipitation predominantly falls as snow are better positioned to maintain snow reliability.

?? Embracing Sustainability

Implementing eco-friendly practices, investing in renewable energy sources, and engaging in conservation efforts are vital steps towards reducing the carbon footprint of ski resorts and mitigating environmental degradation.

???? The European Perspective

Europe stands as a global epicentre of ski tourism, boasting a staggering share of the world's ski resorts. However, this prominence also exposes it to elevated vulnerability in the face of climate change. Recent studies paint a sobering picture, projecting significant reductions in snow cover and ski season duration under various warming scenarios. Check more information at this link.

???? Montenegro & The Balkans

In the Balkans, the impact of climate change on ski resorts intertwines with the region's diverse climatic patterns and ecological vulnerability. From the Mediterranean climate of coastal Montenegro to the alpine environments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, each country exhibits unique weather dynamics shaped by its geographical features.?

Over the past five decades, temperatures have steadily risen across the region, accelerating in recent years. While changes in precipitation have been less pronounced, the complex topography of the Balkans complicates the interpretation of climate trends, particularly in the Western Balkans, where continental, Mediterranean, and alpine climates converge.

Montenegro, in particular, faces significant challenges due to its exposure to climate change, with forest ecosystems bearing the brunt of these impacts. The country's forests, characterised by high biodiversity and serving as vital habitats for numerous plant and animal species, are essential for regulating hydrological cycles, preventing erosion, and sequestering carbon. The diverse ecosystems, boasting over 3,250 plant species and hosting a substantial portion of European bird species, underscore Montenegro's ecological importance.

However, alongside its ecological richness, Montenegro grapples with economic fragility, exacerbated by global economic downturns such as the 2009 recession. Persistent unemployment issues and regional disparities in development underscore the complex interplay between financial stability and environmental resilience. As Montenegro confronts the challenges of climate change, balancing conservation efforts with economic imperatives remains a pressing concern.

In the face of these multifaceted challenges, ski resorts in the Balkans must take on adaptive strategies tailored to the region's distinct climatic contexts and ecological sensitivities. By embracing sustainable practices, investing in resilient infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, ski destinations can navigate the uncertain terrain of climate change while preserving the Balkans' natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.

In the preparation of this article, I had a chance to speak on the topic with the repeated Montenegro visitor, and now my friend,? Cesar Jerónimo Esquinca Enríquez de la Fuente , the founder of Cambio Natural , a lecturer, promoter and climate change professional and here is his point of view on the Montenegrin situation:

As an avid visitor to the amazing bioregional landscapes and heartwarming people, I have witnessed the intrinsic cultural resilience Montenegrins have. My theory is that it is connected to the diversity of the people and cultures that have met in these landscapes and to the biodiversity and wilderness of the landscapes themselves.

Ski Resort is one of the powerful leisure spaces where locals and visitors can connect to the surrounding nature actively and entertainingly, informed by the seasons and weather patterns. About this foundational environmental determination, Ski resorts are naturally vulnerable to the effects of human activity in our landscapes and weather. A culture where diversity, creativity and resilience are strongly present is, without doubt, one of the best prepared to sense the changes coming and adapt to not only survive but thrive.

??? Conclusion

Climate change and ski tourism convergence underscore the urgent need for concerted action. As sustainability ambassadors, we must advocate for responsible stewardship of our natural resources and preserve cherished recreational pursuits. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritising environmental conservation, we can safeguard the future of ski resorts for generations to come.

In the end, the fate of ski centres is inevitably linked to our collective commitment to address the climate crisis. Let us rise to the challenge, forging a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our beloved winter playgrounds.