By the end of the century, Alpine ski resorts could experience 40% fewer snow days each year, according to a new study. Around the globe, one in every eight ski resorts could see their natural snow cover vanish completely.
The study's research team, led by Veronika Mitterwallner from the University of Bayreuth in Germany, made predictions about snow coverage in seven major mountainous regions globally: the European Alps, the Andes, the Appalachian Mountains, the Australian Alps, the Japanese Alps, the Southern Alps in New Zealand, and the Rocky Mountains.
The study, to which Gregor Mathes from the University of Zurich also contributed, was published in the specialist natural sciences journal 'PLOS ONE'.
"In all major ski regions, we anticipate a substantial reduction in the number of days with natural snow cover in each scenario considered," summarised Mitterwallner in a press release.
Due to increased global warming in the coming years, 13% of ski resorts will see their snow disappear completely between 2070 and 2100. Furthermore, in 20% of resorts, the number of snow-covered days will be halved.
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In the European Alps, the researchers predict a 42% decrease in the average number of snowy days per year. According to the study, there would therefore only be 137 snow days per year from 2070 onwards, 80 days fewer than today.
Ski resorts could use artificial snow canons. However, the economic viability of many skiing areas around the world would decrease, the researchers noted. As a result, there will be a shift in ski tourism to higher altitudes, which in turn will have serious consequences for alpine flora and fauna.
