What Will Skiing Look Like in a Warmer Future?

 

Skiing has long been associated with fresh powder, crisp mountain air, and breathtaking alpine views. But rising global temperatures are putting the sport at risk. Shorter seasons, shrinking snowpack, and unpredictable weather are forcing ski resorts to rethink their approach. Some are investing in artificial snow and sustainability initiatives, while others are exploring alternatives like dry slope skiing. In the coming years, skiing may look very different from what we know today.

 

A Shorter Ski Season

Across the Alps and the Rocky Mountains, warmer temperatures mean less snow and more rain, especially at lower altitudes. Ski areas below 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) are seeing more rain-on-snow events. This speeds up melting and creates slushy conditions. In some U.S. ski resorts, the season has already shortened by an average of 34 days since the early 1980s.

Europe faces even greater challenges. Snow depth at low-altitude resorts is shrinking by 3-4cm (1.2 to 1.6in) per decade. If the global temperatures continue to rise, the Alps could lose up to 70% of their snow cover by 2100. Without intervention, many ski destinations may struggle to survive.

 

The Cost of Artificial Snow

To compensate for declining snowfall, many resorts have turned to artificial snowmaking. While this may seem like a viable solution, it comes at an environmental cost. Producing artificial snow requires large amounts of water and energy, placing strain on local resources. A recent study suggests that by 2050, demand for artificial snow could increase by 55% to 97% as natural snow becomes more unreliable.

Some resorts are working to reduce their environmental impact. Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California has introduced high-efficiency snow guns that use less energy. Other ski areas are turning to renewable energy for snow production. Still, artificial snow is only a temporary fix—it does not address the root issue of a warming climate.

 

Ski Resorts Turning to Sustainability

Beyond artificial snow, some ski resorts are adopting long-term sustainability initiatives. Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts installed a wind turbine that now provides 33% of its electricity. Park City Mountain Resort improved its snowmelt system, making it 98% more energy-efficient. The resort is also looking into tree-planting programs to offset its carbon footprint.

Even small changes make a difference. Some resorts now offer carbon offset with lift tickets, use solar power, or promote carpooling to reduce emissions. While these efforts won’t reverse the climate crisis, they help make skiing more sustainable.

 

The Rise of Dry Slope Skiing

As natural snowfall becomes less reliable, some ski destinations are exploring alternatives. One promising option is dry slope skiing. These slopes use synthetic materials designed to mimic real snow. They allow people to ski and snowboard all year, no matter the weather.

Dry slopes have been around since the 1950s but are now gaining popularity. In Denmark, the CopenHill facility features a 400-meter-long ski slope made from Neveplast, a material that mimics hard-packed snow. China has built hundreds of dry slopes in urban areas, making skiing more accessible in regions with little to no natural snowfall. Even traditional ski resorts are considering dry slopes as a way to extend their seasons.

 

A Sport in Transition

The future of skiing is likely to be different from today. Some low-altitude resorts may disappear entirely. Others will rely on artificial snow, dry slopes, or a mix of both. Meanwhile, more resorts will turn to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure to reduce their impact.

For skiers, this means adapting to a changing sport. But perhaps the biggest shift is that skiing may no longer be tied to winter. At Bios, we understand that adapting to change can be challenging, but it also opens the door to new possibilities. As dry slopes become more popular, skiers may no longer have to wait for snow. Whether at a high-altitude resort or an urban ski center, skiing could become a year-round activity—one that continues to evolve with the climate.

 

Have you tried dry slope skiing before? We would love to hear about your experience in the Comments section below!

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