The Impact of Climate Change on Skiing in Colorado

Skiing in Colorado has long been a popular pastime for outdoor enthusiasts and snow sport lovers. However, the impact of climate change on the future of this beloved activity is a growing concern for experts and industry insiders.

According to Keith Musselman, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, the outlook for skiing in Colorado is accompanied by both good and bad news. While Colorado is expected to remain a hub for snow sports, the long-term effects of a warming climate could significantly alter the state’s skiing landscape.

Musselman’s co-authored paper published in the journal Nature outlines projections that point towards a future where lower elevations mimic the snow patterns of the Pacific Northwest, resulting in slush rather than powder. He explains that while Colorado’s high elevations offer some resilience to warming, the state is not immune to the impacts of a changing climate.

Climatologist Peter Goble, of the Colorado Climate Center, also shares these concerns, highlighting potential threats such as a reduction in overall snowpack, a shorter snow season, and an increase in rain-on-snow events, particularly at lower elevations. These changes could have a profound impact on the state’s ski industry, influencing factors such as skier numbers and the overall economy.

The threat of wildfires poses an additional challenge to forested resorts, with the recent experience of Sierra at Tahoe serving as a stark warning. The destruction caused by the Caldor fire demonstrates the vulnerability of these resorts to the effects of a warming climate.

Adrienne Saia Isaac, of the National Ski Areas Association, emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry to address the challenges posed by climate change. As the pandemic prompted global cooperation within the ski industry, she believes that a similar approach will be necessary to combat the impact of a warming climate.

In response to these challenges, ski areas are investing in advanced snowmaking technology and exploring higher terrain and north-facing slopes to ensure snow preservation. Additionally, the availability of season passes with access to multiple resorts worldwide is being viewed as a potential buffer against the variable impacts of climate change on individual ski destinations.

Ultimately, the experts agree that addressing the impact of climate change on skiing in Colorado will require global political willpower to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Until then, the ski industry is making concerted efforts to adapt and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, the future of skiing in Colorado and beyond remains uncertain. However, with proactive measures and collective action, the industry is determined to navigate the changing landscape and ensure the preservation of this beloved winter pastime.