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The United Nations have published a report which suggests
that for some resorts such as Kitzbuhel, their days of skiing could be
numbered. Experts at the University of Zurich,
using recent climate predictions, investigated predicted snow levels.
They believe that temperatures could rise between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees
over the next 100 years.
The scientists warn that if snow reliability rises to
1,500m, winter sports would only be possible in the higher zones of ski
areas and many resorts would have no economic viability at all in the
future. Under the worst case scenario, no Australian resorts would be
viable by 2070.
The report illustrates that some Swiss resorts would
face unreliable snowfall in just 30-50 years, effecting resorts such as
Villars. In Italy, half of the winter resorts lie below 1,500m and
Kitzbühel is a prime victim, due to its very low altitude of just 760m.
Austria's snowline is likely to rise by 200-300m.
Winter sports and tourism are important sources of
employment and wealth for the more remote communities, as well as
offering health and wellbeing for millions of visitors every year. In
many communities, skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding are very much
part of the culture.
However, some laugh at the findings. Megève, a prime
sufferer at 1,100m, experienced 3ft of snow in December 2003, whilst
other resorts, for example those in Andorra, are celebrating more snow
than ever. |
