In spite of a rise in freak weather events, skepticism about the effects of climate change in the United States remains high. The reasons why this skepticism remains high can be debated, but a good 2022-23 season puts U.S. skiers’ worries at ease… for now.
In Europe, the mood is much more sour. Glaciers that are a part of their famous Alps are melting rapidly, and the ski industry has had a rough past couple of years.
France 24 traveled to La Plagne last winter and talked with various local leaders about their struggles. Nicolas Provendie, who’s the director of the ski area, said that they’re having warming winners and that their glacier is receding. La Plagne used to be open through the summer for skiing, but that’s not the case anymore. Melting permafrost on the mountain also leads to less stable structures, which isn’t ideal for adding lifts. With 50% of France’s ski slopes closed last Christmas, the French are concerned about the future of their ski industry.
Ultimately, European ski resorts in upper elevations should be able to survive, even if conditions aren’t always great. The ski resorts at lower elevations are in significant trouble, especially with snowmaking being a much more controversial method of keeping mountains open across the pond.
France24’s video is below.
Image/Video Credits: France 24, La Plagne
