North American Ski Resorts Face Existential Threat: Climate Change and Environmental Regulations

2025-01-31
North American Ski Resorts Face Existential Threat: Climate Change and Environmental Regulations

The North American ski industry is facing a crisis. Since the boom of the 1960s and 70s, over half of all ski resorts have closed, driven by climate change, environmental regulations, and shifting consumer demands. The study highlights the unsustainable water and energy consumption of artificial snowmaking, along with negative impacts on vegetation and wildlife. To survive, resorts must adopt sustainable practices, including investing in eco-friendly technologies, diversifying their offerings, implementing multi-resort passes, and exploring innovative ownership models to adapt to the changing climate and environmental pressures while maintaining profitability.