Climate Change Creates Bleak Outlook for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

     A recent report by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Protect Our Winters (POW) has winter sports enthusiasts on edge.  Although there may be some time before we see potential dramatic reductions in the length of ski season across the United States, climate change is beginning to take its toll on the $12.2 billion winter U.S. snow sports industry.  Across the country, winter temperatures (from December to February) have been rising since 1970 by an average of 2.2  degrees Fahrenheit.  Furthermore, temperatures are projected to rise from 4 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.  This significant warming trend will be accompanied by a decrease in snowfall, snow cover area, and shorter snow seasons.  Currently, the most dramatic winter warming trends have been observed in the northern part of the United States, yet it is believed that in the future, the snowpack could fall across the west by anywhere from 25 to 100 percent. For those in the Northeast, ski season could be cut in half, creating unhappy skiers and snowboarders, along with significant impacts to the economy.  For ski resorts in the Northeast, a mere 4 in 14 resorts may remain profitable by 2100, under an elevated emissions scenario.

     The snow sports industry has played a crucial role in boosting the economy during the winter months, as 38 states combine to add an estimated 211,900 jobs.  Researchers at the University of New Hampshire report that based on data from 1999 to 2010, the downhill ski industry succumbs to a $1.07 billion decrease in revenue during poor snow seasons, and 13,000 to 27,000 fewer jobs are to be had during such downfalls.  Clearly a lack of snow will not only frustrate boarders and skiers alike, but its effect on the economy is significant.  In response to the bleak projections for the industry, many ski resorts have taken action to curb emissions, join alliances in an effort to combat climate change, and begun to raise additional awareness regarding the changing climate.   According to Elizabeth Burakowski, a co-author with Matt Magnusson of the report from the University of New Hampshire, “winter as we know it is on borrowed time.”  While many industry leaders are concerned about the future projections for winter sports, some people feel that not enough is being done.  Auden Schendler, Vice President of Sustainability for the Aspen Skiing Company resort explained that he is not happy with the snow sports industry’s response to climate change.  “The industry hasn’t done a good job on educating leaders on the raw science and hasn’t made enough of a public statement on climate.”  Many snow sports professionals, including popular industry icons such as Gretchen Bleiler, have joined various riders’ alliances in supporting efforts to combat climate change.

     Unfortunately, climate change will hit the winter sports industry just as hard as many other aspects of our everyday lives.  Thankfully many ski resorts are working to increase their amount of sustainable operations and are doing their part to curb emissions.  While some may think we will have to resort to increased snowmaking if Mother Nature stops producing high quantities of snow each winter, such an option will not be sufficient as it will require additional water which is already becoming increasingly scarce, and doing so would cut a greater hole in resort profits.  Next time you hit the slopes or hop on a snowmobile, remember to do your part to help the environment and understand potential future impacts if we fail to implement strong enough changes to preserve the planet.   

Protect Our Winters:

http://protectourwinters.org/

Click here to read the full report: http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/files/climate-impacts-winter-tourism-report.pdf