Controversy surrounds the subject of global warming. Is it even happening? Are vested interests covering the real facts? Isn't it just the normal cycles of warming and cooling? are just some of the questions being asked. For those who love skiing and other snow activities the subject of skiing and global warming is of great interest. Even more so for those who earn a living in the industry or are trying to decide on financing large projects.
The idea of global warming, although just recently becoming big news, is not new. From the start of the industrial revolution men have expressed concern about the effects of burning fossil fuels. Looking back on previous climate changes made them aware of the potential problems.
Of course as individuals little can be changed and what will be will be. We already have to overcome what mother nature fails to give in the way of snow by using snow generating machines in many ski resorts. This however does depend on the ambient temperature being low enough for snow to form. As we are talking about global warming then it may be that temperatures simply don't allow for snow.
On the face of it it would seem that the best places to ski will move further toward the poles. But that is an over-simplification of what is happening. You can also go higher in elevation to get colder temperatures, if there is somewhere higher to go. But the climate of a specific region is controlled also buy what surrounds the area and where the prevailing weather comes from.
One thing that is predicted about the weather is that it will become more unpredictable and more extreme. Whilst this may provide the occasional opportunity for some, it is hardly something you want to build a business on. If something drastic were to happen to global weather patterns we could see wholesale changes in the climate of some regions. e.g. If the gulf stream were to change then we could see much colder temperatures across europe.
In some countries where very little snow falls, already indoor skiing facilities are being made. Whilst this will not satisfy the masses, it does offer an alternative to traveling long distances to find suitable snow. Artificial snow runs are also popular for all year round skiing.
A shift in the season is predicted, with snow falls occurring later on, leading to the season starting late and extending well into the spring. Booking your skiing vacation later may pay dividends.
So skiers interested in skiing and global warming will have to be prepared to follow the snow. Where it does fall there is likely to be plenty of it. So it's not all bad news. But for the business owners the expense of developing a resort may prove to be a costly mistake and little they can do about it.
