Scotland — If you’re skeptical about the impact of climate change on the ski industry, perhaps this news from Scotland will change your perspective.
Last week, Nevis Range announced that they are moving back its projected opening date for the 2024-25 season. While they typically try to open in late December, this hasn’t happened in recent years due to warm weather and a lack of snowfall. However, they may consider opening earlier if they do receive sufficient snowfall. This delayed opening will also allow them to do more maintenance projects and save money. The past couple of winters have resulted in late openings, with them operating only a few days in January.
“Our team is as passionate as ever about skiing, but climate change is a reality that’s forced us to rethink our winter operations,” said Nevis Range in the press release.
However, they still plan to offer skiing on the mountain, as it could become a year-round offering. In their statement, Nevis Range said they plan to install a year-round synthetic ski slope on the mountain. They’re currently in discussions with investors about how to make this addition happen.
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According to the BBC, the snowpack in the upper elevations of Scotland is diminishing. A snow patch that had survived year-round in the United Kingdom for centuries is now melting yearly. Known as The Sphinx, it has now melted four years in a row.
Europe’s ski industry is starting to deal with the effects of climate change. Recently, various European ski areas have decided to shut down their lifts for good. One French ski resort, Alpe du Grand Serre, announced it would close down, leading to international headlines. However, an operator has decided to operate it for at least one more winter.
Nevis Range is a four-season destination, so I don’t think they will be going anywhere. Whether skiing on snow will be possible in the decades ahead there, though, is subject to debate.
Image/Video Credits: Nevis Range Mountain Experience