Skiing deemed a transgression against the laws of nature

In the heart of the European Alps, the skiing industry is facing a daunting challenge: climate change. With global heating causing snow to disappear from resorts worldwide, particularly in Europe, the industry is being forced to adapt to new circumstances.

Artificial snowmaking has become standard at most ski resorts, consuming over 150 gallons of water per minute per machine and hundreds of millions of liters a season. However, some resorts are making strides towards sustainability. Solar arrays are being installed, and more efficient snow guns are being used to reduce water usage and startup time.

The skiing industry's carbon footprint extends beyond the slopes. Downhill skiing has a carbon footprint of 50 kgCO2 per day, including emissions from snow machines, snow grooming, lifts, gear, hotel, and gastronomy services, as well as transportation emissions. Professional skiers are urging the International Ski and Snowboard Federation to react to these changing conditions, as some competitions have already been cancelled due to lack of snow.

The industry is not only addressing its carbon emissions but also the environmental impact caused by mass tourism. The hacking out of slopes from forested mountainsides disturbs the natural habitat of local wildlife, and the European Alps attract about 120 million visitors a year, who add to the environmental impact with their feet, garbage, exhaust fumes, and noise.

A study by the University of Basel shows that a 100-day ski season is virtually impossible at most Swiss resorts without artificial snowmaking, but snowtech is not a long-term solution. The study warns that if climate change continues unabated, water sources for ski resorts will last until the middle of the century, at which point new sources will have to be exploited, potentially conflicting with hydroelectric power plants.

The skiing lobby argues that the bulk of the footprint comes from travel to the slopes. A campaign called Ski Flight Free encourages skiers to travel without flying, and using train and bus instead of flying or driving can significantly reduce emissions.

Domaines Skiables de France, the resort operators' lobby arm in France, has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2037. However, as of current public information, no specific companies or organizations in Germany have publicly committed to full CO2-neutral ski equipment production by 2037.

Auden Schendler of the Aspen Skiing Company stated that the major impact of a ski resort on climate would be remaining silent on climate, as the industry depends on a stable climate and pristine natural world. The views and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union.

In the face of these challenges, the skiing industry is taking steps towards sustainability. From solar arrays and more efficient snow guns to reduced travel emissions and net zero carbon pledges, the future of skiing in the European Alps is one of adaptation and innovation.