European Ski Resorts: Slopes Closing Due to Lack of Snow

Hundreds of ski slopes in European ski resorts are being abandoned due to the lack of snow, a consequence of the climate crisis. According to the Daily Mail, 186 winter resorts in France have closed, and this number is expected to increase.

Videos on social media show reduced snowfall in areas of France, Austria, and Switzerland. Skiers are forced to seek out slopes at higher altitudes, jeopardizing their safety.

Urs Lehmann, CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, warned of the devastating effects of melting glaciers and shrinking snow cover on winter sports. A 2023 report warned that over half of Europe's ski resorts will face severe snow shortages if temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius.

The lack of snow is also a problem for the organizers of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, who are facing technical problems with the production of artificial snow.