ADVERTISEMENTEurope’s ski resorts could face a ‘bleak future’, a report warned last week.
Warm and unpredictable weather has left slopes snowless in recent years - a trend that’s already impacting this winter’s ski season.
Yet another French resort recently took the tough decision to close its lifts for good after suffering a lack of snow, dwindling visitor numbers and growing debt.
French resorts aren’t the only ones struggling: high temperatures last February also left ski towns in Austria, Bosnia, Italy, Spain and Switzerland on their knees. Those at low and medium elevations were worst affected, leading to overcrowding at high-altitude resorts.
As we emerge from the hottest summer on record, is this downward spiral set to continue into winter 2024/25?
Here’s a look at this year’s ski season outlook in Europe.
Why are Europe’s ski resorts struggling?
Climate change is the prevailing factor behind Europe’s increasingly high temperatures. However, in 2024 this was supercharged by El Niño - a natural weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean where changes in pressure cause warm water to flow East, bringing with it excessive heat.
As we move out of this climate system, La Niña is expected to take over which, in contrast, has a cooling effect.
That could make this year’s winter cooler than the last - but will it be enough to boost Europe’s ski resorts?
According to the UK’s Met Office, La Niña could increase precipitation, potentially bringing heavier and more frequent snowfall. The weather system typically means a cold start and a mild end to winter in western Europe - so it could be best to get your ski holiday in early this year.
But since La Niña can be affected by other global climate drivers, it’s impact is hard to predict. A three-month indication released by Météo France last month gives only a 20 per cent likelihood that October to December will be cooler than usual versus a 40 per cent chance that it will be warmer than normal overall.
Where to ski in Europe this winter
Even if conditions do improve this winter, it will be too late for some resorts buckling from years of waning snowfall.
Grand Puy and Alpe du Grand Serre in France have already had to close down this year due to piling economic losses.
Snow sports enthusiasts would be wise to opt for higher altitude resorts like Avoriaz, Tignes, Val d'Isère and Val Thorens in France, which are expected to open in late November.
For an earlier start, head to Finland’s Levi and Ruka ski resorts, which opened on 4 October, or Austria’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Zell am See, which launched its winter season on 5 October.
ADVERTISEMENTAlso in Austria, Sölden’s winter ski area is scheduled to open in mid-November and Ischgl’s typically long and reliable snow season is slated to begin at the end of November.
Diavolezza in Switzerland is expected to open on 19 October, while Cervinia - 2,050 metres up in the northwestern Italian Alps - is considered another ‘snow sure’ bet that’s set to open on 26 October.
Why you should take a ski train to the slopes
With climate change painting an unpredictable future for Europe’s ski resorts, it’s never been more important to consider the carbon footprint of your travels.
The energy and water resources needed to operate lifts, snow machines and hotels already make skiing a carbon-intensive activity.
ADVERTISEMENTBut between 50 and 80 per cent of the industry’s emissions come from holidaymakers travelling to and from resorts.
Luckily, there’s a more sustainable option than flying: Eurostar Snow will operate ski trains to the French Alps from December.
Various other ski destinations can also be reached by rail, including Italy’s Cortina d'Ampezzo on the Espresso Cadore sleeper train.