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Ali Serim
Climate Advocate

Future of Ski Resorts

Ali Serim at The Gornergrat platform, perched at an altitude of 3,089 meters near Zermatt, offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorner Glacier and an array of towering Alpine peaks. From this vantage point, you can see over 20 mountains exceeding 4,000 meters, including the iconic Matterhorn, the majestic Monte Rosa (the highest mountain in Switzerland), the Breithorn, and Liskamm.

As climate change rapidly transforms environments across the globe, ski resorts are among the most visibly and immediately affected. From the Swiss Alps to the Rockies, the Himalayas, and even the Southern Hemisphere, ski resorts are feeling the effects of rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and unpredictable snowfall. Having been skiing since I was 8 years old, giving me nearly 40 years of firsthand witness to the impacts of climate change on ski resorts and snowy mountains, I’ve seen the once-thriving winter sports tourism industry undergo profound transformations. Resorts are now being forced to adapt—or risk disappearing entirely.

North America: The Rocky Mountains and Beyond

In North America, the Rocky Mountains host some of the world’s most popular ski resorts, such as Vail, Aspen, and Whistler. These destinations have long been synonymous with winter sports, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, even these high-altitude resorts are beginning to feel the impact of climate change.

Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, Canada, is one of North America’s largest ski resorts and a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts. However, Whistler has been experiencing increasingly warmer winters and less consistent snowfall. As a result, the resort has had to invest heavily in snowmaking technology to ensure snow cover for its long ski season. Additionally, Whistler has placed a significant emphasis on sustainability, aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2030 through energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-friendly tourism practices.

In the U.S., Aspen Snowmass in Colorado has been vocal about the impact of climate change on the ski industry. The Aspen Skiing Company has been a leader in climate advocacy, pushing for national climate policies to address emissions and promote sustainability. Aspen has invested in renewable energy projects, including a methane-capture plant, to reduce its carbon footprint. However, despite these efforts, the long-term viability of skiing in Aspen remains uncertain as warming temperatures continue to shrink the window for reliable snow.

Park City in Utah, the largest ski resort in the U.S., is also feeling the heat. Park City has taken steps to address climate change by reducing its carbon emissions and promoting green energy, but the warmer winters have already shortened the resort’s ski season. Studies predict that if current warming trends continue, many lower-altitude ski resorts in the Rockies will become unviable for skiing by mid-century.

The Japanese Alps: The Snowiest Ski Resorts at Risk

Japan is home to some of the snowiest ski resorts in the world, with regions like Niseko on Hokkaido Island receiving heavy snowfall thanks to cold Siberian winds. For years, Niseko has been a mecca for powder-hungry skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. However, even Japan’s famously deep snow is at risk.

Recent years have seen more erratic weather patterns in the Japanese Alps, with warmer temperatures affecting snowfall consistency. While Niseko still enjoys relatively reliable snowfalls compared to other global resorts, experts warn that Japan’s ski resorts will not remain immune to climate change. The overall length of the ski season is expected to shrink, and some resorts at lower altitudes, such as Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen, could face significant challenges in the coming decades.

In response, Japanese resorts are increasingly focusing on sustainability and year-round tourism. Niseko, in particular, is promoting its summer offerings, such as mountain biking and hiking, to attract visitors during the off-season. Additionally, resorts across Japan are adopting greener infrastructure and working with local governments to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and energy use.

The Himalayas: Melting Glaciers and Shorter Seasons

In the towering peaks of the Himalayas, where ski tourism is still developing, climate change is already leaving its mark. Resorts in India and Nepal, such as Gulmarg in Kashmir and the fledgling ski areas near Mount Everest, are seeing shorter winters and rapidly retreating glaciers.

The Chhota Shigri Glacier in the Indian Himalayas, for example, has been losing ice mass at an accelerating rate, with significant implications for both water resources and ski tourism. While Gulmarg is known for its reliable snow due to its high altitude, warming trends threaten to shorten its ski season and make snowfall less predictable. The Himalayas, home to some of the world’s highest peaks, depend heavily on glaciers to sustain not only tourism but also the livelihoods of millions who rely on glacial meltwater for agriculture and drinking water.

Nepal, which is beginning to explore ski tourism in the Everest region, faces similar challenges. Climate change has led to the retreat of glaciers in the Everest area, posing risks not just for winter sports but also for trekking and mountaineering, two of the country’s biggest tourist draws. Nepal is exploring the potential of year-round adventure tourism to diversify its offerings, but the melting glaciers remain a visible reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis in the region.

The Southern Hemisphere: New Zealand and Australia

Ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere are also facing the pressures of climate change, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, where winter sports tourism has been an important part of the economy.

New Zealand’s Treble Cone and The Remarkables resorts are among the most famous in the Southern Alps, offering stunning alpine scenery and reliable snow. However, warmer winters and shifting weather patterns are already shortening the ski season in New Zealand. Resorts are increasingly relying on artificial snowmaking, and some are expanding their focus to year-round tourism to mitigate the impacts of shorter ski seasons.

Similarly, Australia’s ski resorts, such as Thredbo and Perisher in the Snowy Mountains, are seeing fewer snow days as winters grow warmer. Australia’s ski industry is smaller compared to other global destinations, but it remains an important part of the tourism economy. Thredbo has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including water conservation and waste reduction programs, as part of its efforts to address the challenges of climate change.

The Future of Global Ski Resorts: Adaptation or Extinction?

Ski resorts across the globe are increasingly finding themselves at a crossroads. Climate change is reducing the reliability of natural snowfall, threatening the viability of many iconic ski destinations. From Zermatt’s retreating glaciers to the erratic snowfall in Japan, the future of skiing as a global sport is in jeopardy.

To survive, ski resorts must adapt. This means not only investing in technology such as snowmaking but also diversifying their offerings to attract tourists year-round. Sustainability initiatives, such as reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly tourism, will be critical for resorts to remain viable in a warming world.

However, adaptation is only part of the solution. The ski industry must also play a role in advocating for global climate action. Resorts that depend on snowy winters are in a unique position to highlight the urgency of addressing climate change. Through collaboration with governments, environmental organizations, and the tourism industry, ski resorts can help drive the collective action needed to preserve not only the sport of skiing but also the fragile mountain ecosystems that support it.

As climate change continues to reshape the world’s landscapes, ski resorts, once symbols of winter wonderlands, may become indicators of a warming planet. Their future depends on a combination of technological innovation, sustainable practices, and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Only time will tell whether these beloved destinations can continue to thrive in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Zermatt: A Microcosm of the Climate Crisis

Situated at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the world’s most renowned ski resorts. Known for its high-altitude skiing and access to the majestic Gorner Glacier, Zermatt has long been considered a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. However, Zermatt is increasingly becoming a microcosm of the global climate crisis, with its glaciers shrinking and weather patterns growing more unpredictable.

The Gorner Glacier, located near Zermatt, is the second-largest glacier in the Alps, and it has been a major attraction for skiers and hikers alike. Yet, like glaciers around the world, the Gorner Glacier has been receding rapidly due to rising temperatures. Since the 19th century, the glacier has lost a significant portion of its mass, with the pace of melting accelerating in recent decades. Scientists predict that if global temperatures continue to rise, the Gorner Glacier could lose up to 90% of its volume by the end of the century. This poses a direct threat to Zermatt’s year-round ski offerings, as the glacier has traditionally provided skiing opportunities even during the summer months.

In response to the shrinking glacier, Zermatt has invested heavily in snowmaking technology to maintain its ski slopes. However, the reliance on artificial snow is not without its challenges. Snow cannons require vast amounts of water and energy, resources that are becoming scarcer as climate change worsens. Additionally, warmer temperatures mean that even artificial snow may not last as long as it once did, reducing the length of the ski season. Despite these investments, Zermatt faces an uphill battle in preserving its reputation as a top ski destination.

Beyond skiing, the melting glaciers are also contributing to other environmental hazards in the region. In recent years, Zermatt has experienced severe flooding caused by the rapid melting of nearby glaciers, including the Gorner Glacier, as well as unexpected rainfall. The floodwaters overwhelmed local rivers and damaged infrastructure, disrupting tourism during the peak summer season. As glaciers continue to retreat, such natural disasters are expected to become more frequent, posing risks not only to the local economy but also to the safety of residents and visitors.

The effects of climate change are not limited to the winter months. Zermatt’s summer tourism, which relies heavily on hiking, mountaineering, and glacier tours, is also under threat. As the glaciers melt, the once-majestic ice fields are shrinking, and trails that once led across glaciers are now increasingly traversing bare rock. This shift is fundamentally altering the experience for tourists who visit Zermatt in the summer. Instead of crossing pristine ice fields, hikers are now walking across exposed rock where glaciers once stood, and this is fundamentally changing the allure of Zermatt as a year-round destination.

Zermatt’s Response: Adapting to a New Reality

Recognizing the risks posed by climate change, Zermatt has begun diversifying its offerings to adapt to this new reality. The resort has made significant efforts to market itself as a four-season destination, with attractions such as mountain biking, paragliding, and hiking becoming more prominent during the warmer months. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a major tourist attraction at the top of one of the highest cable car stations in the world, offers panoramic views of the Alps and educational exhibitions about the glaciers and their role in the ecosystem. The resort also promotes eco-tourism initiatives, such as glacier tours that educate visitors on the impacts of climate change and the importance of preserving the environment.

Sustainability has become a central focus for Zermatt. The resort is investing in renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric and solar power to reduce its carbon footprint. Zermatt is also part of a broader effort to make Swiss tourism more environmentally friendly, with a growing number of resorts in the region committing to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable practices. By positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism, Zermatt aims to continue attracting visitors even as the effects of climate change become more pronounced.

The Future of Zermatt and Alpine Skiing

Zermatt’s future, like that of many ski resorts around the world, is uncertain in the face of climate change. The resort’s reliance on high-altitude glaciers and its position as a year-round destination give it some resilience compared to lower-altitude resorts. However, as glaciers continue to retreat and weather patterns grow increasingly erratic, Zermatt will need to continue evolving to remain viable in the long term.

The broader Alpine region, where Zermatt is located, is expected to see some of the most severe impacts of climate change on ski tourism. A study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) predicts that by 2100, only a handful of high-altitude resorts in the Alps will still have reliable snow cover. Resorts like Zermatt, which are investing in sustainable practices and adapting their offerings, may survive these challenges, but the overall landscape of Alpine skiing is set to change dramatically.

Zermatt’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for ski resorts around the world. While technological innovations and sustainability efforts can help mitigate some of the impacts of climate change, the long-term future of winter sports tourism is inextricably linked to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of warming. Without meaningful action on climate change, the future of Zermatt and other iconic ski destinations hangs in the balance.

In the end, Zermatt’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by climate change will depend on a combination of innovation, sustainability, and global climate action. For the resort, and the world’s other ski destinations, the stakes could not be higher.

About the Author
With a diverse and dynamic career background started more than two decades ago in Ernst & Young, I bring a wealth of experience in auditing, corporate consulting, entrepreneurship, climate advocacy and publishing. My journey began in auditing, where I honed my ability to scrutinize financial statements and processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance in various industries. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, I founded and developed businesses, implementing innovative strategies that drove growth and operational efficiency. As a corporate consultant, I've advised businesses on strategic decisions, helping them navigate complex market dynamics and enhance their competitive edge. My dedication to social and environmental causes is evident in my active role as a climate advocate, where I've collaborated with NGOs and engaged in volunteer leadership to promote sustainable practices and policies. Additionally, my diplomatic endeavors have involved facilitating discussions and partnerships between stakeholders to address global challenges, particularly in the realm of environmental sustainability. This blend of professional expertise and voluntary commitment highlights my comprehensive approach to contributing to societal and environmental well-being.
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