53% of European Ski Resorts Face Snow Shortage Risks as UN Report Warns of Economic Consequences

A new report by the World Meteorological Organization and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation highlights 25 race cancellations during the 2025–2026 season, while declining snow cover increases operating challenges for mountain resorts.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) have warned of growing climate-related risks facing ski resorts and winter tourism, as declining snow reliability and rising adaptation costs place increasing pressure on mountain destinations.

The warning comes in a joint report released on November 3, 2026, providing guidance for ski resort operators and mountain tourism facilities based on meteorological data and long-term climate projections.

The report draws on a scientific study covering 2,234 ski resorts across 28 European countries, which found that 53% could face very high risks of insufficient snow if global warming reaches 2°C above pre-industrial levels, in the absence of artificial snowmaking.

Originally published in Nature Climate Change in 2023, the study's findings were referenced in the new report to illustrate the scale of challenges confronting the winter tourism industry.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation reported that adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of 25 World Cup races during the 2025–2026 season.

The report also highlighted a historical decline in snow cover duration, averaging approximately five days per decade across many regions, particularly at lower elevations.

In Switzerland, glaciers have lost around 20% of their volume since 2021, while the number of snowfall days in areas below 800 metres has fallen by half since 1970.

Lower-altitude ski resorts face increasing difficulties in maintaining reliable operating seasons.

Although some facilities rely on artificial snowmaking, the technology requires suitable temperature and humidity conditions, along with substantial water and electricity resources, making operating costs and investment planning increasingly important.

The new report encourages resort operators to incorporate weather forecasts and climate projections into operational scheduling, risk management, and long-term investment decisions.

The findings suggest that the future of ski tourism will depend not only on the appeal of resorts and their facilities but also on their ability to maintain suitable operating conditions.

For travellers, checking actual snow conditions, slope opening schedules, and cancellation policies is becoming increasingly important, particularly when booking winter holidays in advance.

For investors, hoteliers, and mountain resort operators, the challenge is to develop diversified tourism activities that reduce dependence on snowfall alone and enable destinations to attract visitors throughout different seasons.