The Future of Snow Tourism: How Resorts are Adapting to Unpredictable Winters

Snow tourism has long been a staple of winter recreation, drawing millions of travelers to destinations around the world for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. But as the planet warms and winters become increasingly unpredictable, the snow tourism industry is facing significant challenges. Shorter seasons, inconsistent snowfall, and rising temperatures are pushing ski resorts and winter destinations to rethink their strategies and find creative solutions to stay afloat.

In this article, we'll explore how ski resorts are adapting to the impacts of climate change and what the future holds for snow tourism.

The Impact of Inconsistent Snowfall

One of the most immediate effects of climate change is the reduction in snowfall and shorter winter seasons. As global temperatures rise, many traditional ski resorts are experiencing fewer snow days and lower snowpacks. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), ski resorts in the Alps could lose 70% of their snow cover by 2100 if emissions continue at their current rate.

“In some regions, we’re already seeing the impact,” says Dr. Samuel Morin, a researcher at the French National Centre for Meteorological Research. “Snowfall is becoming less reliable, and lower-altitude resorts are suffering the most. The season starts later and ends earlier.”

The decline in snowfall is pushing resorts to adapt quickly, especially those at lower elevations where the impact is more immediate. Some resorts are being forced to close early or open later, which can hurt their bottom lines.

Turning to Artificial Snowmaking

In response to erratic snowfall, many resorts are increasingly relying on artificial snowmaking to supplement natural snow. Snowmaking technology has become a crucial part of keeping slopes open and extending the ski season, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Snowmaking requires significant amounts of water and energy, and its effectiveness depends on having temperatures cold enough for the snow to stick.

“Snowmaking is an essential tool now,” says Michael Berry, president of the National Ski Areas Association. “Many resorts wouldn’t survive without it, especially during years with poor snowfall.”

However, the environmental cost of artificial snow is concerning. According to a report by Alpine Initiatives, snowmaking consumes about 500,000 liters of water per hectare each season, which places a significant burden on local ecosystems, especially in areas where water resources are already limited.

Despite these concerns, snowmaking is likely to remain a key part of ski resort operations in the coming years, as long as temperatures remain cold enough to produce and maintain artificial snow.

Expanding Winter Activities Beyond Skiing

As snowfall becomes less predictable, many ski resorts are diversifying their offerings to attract a broader range of visitors. Non-snow-dependent activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wellness tourism are becoming increasingly popular.

“In the past, skiing was the main draw,” says Emily Summers, senior communications manager at Deer Valley Resort in Utah. “Now we’re seeing a shift. People are coming for other experiences like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even culinary events.”

At Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America's largest ski resorts, summer activities like mountain biking and hiking have become key parts of their business strategy. By offering year-round attractions, resorts can generate income even when the ski season is shorter than expected.

“We’re adapting by giving guests reasons to visit outside of the ski season,” says Katie Wylie, a spokesperson for Whistler Blackcomb. “We’ve seen a huge increase in visitors for activities like zip-lining and mountain biking.”

Embracing Sustainability

Many ski resorts are also turning to sustainability initiatives as a way to mitigate their own contribution to climate change. From reducing energy use to investing in renewable energy, these eco-friendly practices are becoming a central part of the resort business model.

Aspen Snowmass, one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, has been a leader in sustainability efforts for years. The resort has invested heavily in renewable energy, including wind and solar power, and it uses biodiesel to fuel its snow grooming machines.

“We have to walk the walk when it comes to climate change,” says Auden Schendler, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Aspen Snowmass, in an interview with Forbes. “If the ski industry doesn’t address climate change head-on, we won’t have a future to speak of.”

Similarly, resorts in Europe are also stepping up. Laax, in Switzerland, has become known for its green initiatives, such as using 100% renewable energy and promoting eco-friendly travel options to visitors.

The Shift Toward High-Altitude Destinations

As snow conditions become less reliable at lower altitudes, many travelers are shifting toward high-altitude resorts that are more likely to have consistent snow. Destinations in the Swiss Alps, the Canadian Rockies, and high-altitude resorts in the Andes are benefiting from this trend.

“We’ve seen an increase in bookings from people looking to guarantee good snow,” says Jesse Hunt, director of Park City Ski and Snowboard Team. “High-altitude resorts are becoming more popular because they’re more likely to have snow even when lower-altitude resorts don’t.”

This shift in travel patterns is leading to more competition among high-altitude resorts, many of which are investing in better infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

What Lies Ahead for Snow Tourism?

The future of snow tourism may seem uncertain, but resorts are proving to be adaptable. From snowmaking technology to expanding year-round activities, resorts are finding new ways to keep attracting guests in the face of climate change.

“Snow tourism is at a crossroads,” says Michael Berry. “But the industry has always been resilient, and we’re seeing resorts innovate in ways we haven’t seen before.”

While the challenges of climate change are undeniable, the future of snow tourism is still bright—as long as the industry continues to adapt and evolve.