For every skiing geek previous seasons weren’t fruitful. Many skiing trips has to be canceled and spontaneous weekends in polish or Czech mountains are becoming nearly impossible. So what is the future of our beloved sport?
Since 1991 the temperature in Europe has been increasing 0,5 degree per decade faster than other regions which is consequence of our thoughtless behaviour. Just in France winters are 8 degrees warmer than 30 years ago. In Forbes report, the university of Grenoble research shows that through 70 years period in France 50% of ski resorts has been closed because lack of snow. Border of snow line which is a height above sea level when snow lays whole year has increased tremendously and till the end of century 93% of glaciers in alps would disappear which was the only alternative for warm winters but what is sad….there wouldn’t be colder ones.
If somebody is up to date with skiing word cup championships the situation is disappointing for fans, because since beginning of 22/23 season 8 races were cancelled due to lack of snow.
But you may say that there are snow cannons working so it is not that bad…
Of course, they exist but to produce 15cm of snow it takes 200 000 litres of water per day and consumes loads of energy. And after all they require temperature below 0 to operate. There are some chemicals that increase melting temperature such as potassium acetate but they can be dangerous for environment and are usually restricted.
Personally I was shocked looking at these data but what has opened my eyes the most was the fact that I experienced it firsthand and saw the effect of global warming which many deny and undermine. So if you want to experience skiing, I advice it as soon as possible.
Sources:
