Alpine skiing: the weather threatens a total crisis

The prospects of alpine skiing in Italy are increasingly threatened by rapid and persistent climate changes, which compromise the regularity of snowfalls and the duration of the snow cover in the Alps.

This phenomenon, linked to global climate change, risks drastically altering the Italian ski seasons, threatening the very survival of numerous ski resorts, whose activity heavily depends on a constant snow cover.  In recent years, the situation has appeared worrying, with several episodes of early closures due to lack of snow, and a 2024 marked by extreme conditions: ski resorts closed during the winter, and late snowfalls of extraordinary intensity in spring.   This scenario forces many ski resorts in Northern Italy and the Alps in particular to increasingly rely on artificial snow production.  Investments in the sector are significant, and to be respected, as the goal is to obtain snow with the least possible environmental impact, reducing energy consumption and protecting, as much as possible, the alpine ecosystem.

However, artificial snow production is a process that, although optimized, still requires cold and stable temperatures to be effective.

The progressive rise of the freezing point and the strong variability of temperatures also challenge these technologies, making the future of skiing in Italian resorts and, in general, in the Alps and the Pyrénées uncertain.  

Temperatures and freezing point: a growing threat

Climate change brings with it an increase in average temperatures even in winter, with the effect of constantly raising the freezing point, the altitude at which the temperature – in free atmosphere – drops to zero degrees.

This altitude, which until a few decades ago remained steadily around 1500-2000 meters in the alpine areas during the winter months, today frequently rises to 2500-3000 meters, but also rising above 4000 meters in mid-winter during fierce heat waves, drastically reducing the areas where snow can fall, but especially where it can be maintained.

Even during cold periods, cold waves are often too short and are interrupted by anomalous heat peaks that cause the snow to melt, even at high altitudes, even at the height of glaciers, once defined as eternal.   This thermal instability not only causes a rapid melting of the natural snow cover, but also increases the risk of avalanches, especially during periods when very low temperatures are suddenly replaced by milder peaks. Such variable temperatures and the rise of the freezing point make the situation extremely precarious for ski resorts, which have to deal with an increasingly shorter and uncertain season.  

Unpredictable snowfalls and extreme phenomena

In addition to the increase in temperatures, precipitations have become extremely irregular.

In the recent past, snowfalls in the Alps were more predictable and guaranteed coverage for much of the ski season.

This does not mean that in the past there were no years without or with little snow. In recent years it has
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There has been a disruption in precipitation patterns, with drought periods that can last for weeks, if not months, due to the formation of high-pressure fields over much of Europe, followed by intense snowfalls in unusual periods, such as in spring, as happened in 2024.

This change in timing has a devastating effect on the skiing sector, as late snow, although abundant, does not save the season.

Increase in Skiing Costs

In the 2023-2024 ski season, ski pass prices have increased considerably.

The average increase in daily ski passes is 8%, with peaks of 25% in some resorts compared to the previous season.

The main causes of the increases are linked to various factors such as the rise in energy costs, which has had a direct impact on the management costs of the facilities.

The maintenance costs of structures such as chairlifts, cable cars, and other high-altitude facilities are increasing.

With reduced natural snowfall, the use of artificial snowmaking has increased, which entails significant expenses.

In Italy, the annual expenditure is estimated to be around 100 million euros to ensure artificial snow on the slopes.

Impact on Winter Tourism

The increase in costs is making skiing an increasingly exclusive sport.

For a family of three, a week-long ski holiday can cost an average of 3,600 euros, marking a 7.3% increase compared to 2022.

There is expected to be a greater demand for services aimed at a clientele with spending capacity over 520 euros per day, a figure that rises to more than 855 euros on weekends.

Climate change represents an extreme challenge and a matter of survival for the skiing sector in Italy.

With rising average temperatures, the number of usable ski facilities could decrease in the coming years.

Currently, glacier skiing is being increasingly exploited, but such initiatives are deplorable.

Despite these challenges, there are still plans in Italy for the construction of new ski infrastructures, with possible negative impacts on natural areas.

Climatologists Warn, However

Experts argue that, due to global warming, the amount of snow that could fall overall on the Alps might actually increase, but without the climatic stability necessary to maintain the snow cover on the slopes.

Snowfall may increase in quantity, but if temperatures do not remain low, this snow melts quickly, compromising the foundations for the continuity of ski resorts.

It is an Environmental Challenge

To cope with the lack of natural snow, many Italian resorts invest in advanced artificial snow production systems, a solution that requires a significant amount of energy and water resources.

The latest technological developments aim to reduce the environmental impact of these systems, increasing efficiency and lowering consumption.

However, producing artificial snow becomes economically and logistically sustainable only within a certain temperature threshold.

With temperatures above -2°C, costs increase drastically, and above this threshold, it becomes impossible to generate snow with the necessary characteristics to withstand the slopes.

The consumption of water for artificial snow is another issue to address for respecting the natural environment, as the same resource is also used for other purposes.

Italy, like many other European nations, faces a dilemma: preserving the ski industry, which constitutes a significant part of the winter economy and our history, without compromising already limited water and energy resources.

Uncertain Future for Winter Tourism in the Italian Alps

Therefore, climate change and irregular snowfall risk radically changing winter tourism in Northern Italy, pushing many alpine resorts to diversify their offerings.

Some resorts have started to focus on alternative activities, such as winter hiking, alpine wellness, and gastronomic offerings, trying to attract tourists regardless of the presence of snow.

However, without sufficient snow cover, many smaller ski resorts may be forced to close, as their survival is closely linked to alpine skiing.

Climate change is making the management of facilities and infrastructures increasingly difficult, a problem that not only affects Italy but also other alpine countries such as France, Switzerland, and Austria, and mountainous areas like the Pyrenees.

The forecasts for

the future indicate that, without significant global interventions to contain warming, alpine skiing could become unsustainable in many historic locations, marking the end of an era for the sport and alpine tourism.