Europe’s ski industry is at a crossroads. Rising temperatures and dwindling snowfall are forcing resorts across the continent to rethink how they operate, and for many skiers, hitting the slopes is becoming both less reliable and more expensive.
Snow Scarcity and the Cost of Artificial Slopes
Even as the Winter Olympics prepare to open in Milan-Cortina on 6 February, snow coverage remains patchy outside the most high-altitude areas. Resorts are increasingly relying on artificial snow to keep pistes open, a practice that comes with high economic and environmental costs. Producing artificial snow consumes vast amounts of water — enough to supply a city of 1.5 million people for a year for just one hectare of slope — and requires huge electricity inputs, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. These costs are passed on to visitors, driving lift passes and overall ski expenses higher. For many families, this makes skiing increasingly out of reach.
Climate Change Threatens Iconic Winter Destinations
The warming climate is affecting ski regions across Europe, from Italy’s Belluno province to the wider Alpine arc. Studies warn that if global temperatures rise by 4°C above pre-industrial levels, almost all European ski resorts will struggle to maintain sufficient snow. Even with a 2°C rise, over half of Europe’s 2,234 ski resorts could be at high risk of low snowfall, including a third in the French Alps and nearly 90% of the Pyrenees. The Winter Olympics itself could be impacted, with only a handful of historic host cities likely to remain viable by mid-century.
Economic Impact on Ski Tourism
Winter tourism is a major economic driver in Europe, generating roughly €180 billion in 2022 and supporting millions of jobs. Germany, Italy, and France host the most resorts, with Germany alone having nearly 500. Yet, as snow becomes less reliable, resorts face difficult decisions: invest in costly snowmaking, diversify into summer activities, or risk decline. Ski pass prices have already risen 34.8% since 2015, far above inflation, hitting Switzerland, Austria, and Italy hardest. Without decisive action to address climate change and better coordinate resources like water and electricity, both the industry and the millions who depend on it face a challenging winter ahead.
