The International Ski and Snowboard Federation has joined forces with the United Nations weather agency to address the challenges faced by winter sports due to climate change. In a bid to assist national ski federations, venues, and race organisers in coping with the impacts of climate change, the five-year partnership between FIS and the World Meteorological Organization will focus on enhancing weather forecasting for managing both natural and artificial snow resources. An online meeting is scheduled for November 7 to kick off this collaboration.
Acknowledging the dire consequences of climate change on winter sports and tourism, both organisations highlighted the increasing threat posed by warmer temperatures. Last season, FIS had to cancel 26 out of 616 World Cup events across various disciplines due to weather-related issues. The WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, emphasised that the effects of climate change are extending beyond just sporting events and vacations, calling it an existential threat.
As part of efforts to adapt to changing conditions, organisers have been relying on artificial snow produced using local water resources. However, the shift in global temperatures is impacting snowfall patterns, with the number of snowfall days decreasing by half since 1970 at lower altitudes. The impact is evident with Alpine glaciers in Switzerland losing about 60% of their volume since 1850, leading to concerns about stability and carbon emissions.
Looking ahead, the International Olympic Committee has warned that by 2040, only 10 countries may have a “climate-reliable” environment to host snow events during the Winter Games. With the gradual decline in natural snowfall, the reliance on artificial snow to sustain winter sports events could become more prevalent, as seen in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games where all Alpine races were held using artificial snow.
In response to these challenges, countries like Saudi Arabia are investing in man-made snow facilities, indicating a shift towards adapting to climate change impacts on winter sports. The collaboration between FIS and the WMO underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on the future of winter sports.