Snow Sports and Climate: Where the Slopes Meet Science

This week, I had the privilege of sitting in on a powerful Zoom discussion among experts in snow sports journalism, meteorology, and climate policy. Hosted by the North American Snow Sports Journalists Association (NASJA), the event featured a panel of distinguished voices in the climate and snow sports community, moderated by NASJA President Charlie Sanders. The conversation explored how climate change is reshaping the future of snow sports, the importance of climate literacy, and the role of corporations in this transformation.

Note: I used ChatGPT to generate images to support this article. My next blog post will be a challenge to AI to solve climate change. I hope you enjoy AI’s view of our situation.

The panelists included Meteorologist and Media Expert Chris Gloninger, Climate Awareness Activist and Attorney Wendolyn Holland, and Seth Masia, President of the International Skiing History Association.

Panelist Introductions: Perspectives and Passions

Each panelist brought unique insights and a passion for snow sports and climate science. Chris Gloninger, an Emmy-winning meteorologist, began by sharing how severe weather events like Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey catalyzed his climate advocacy. "I went to station management… and said, hey, we should be doing a lot more about climate change…[but] there was some hesitation and concern," he explained, describing his experience with both public and station resistance to climate reporting.

Seth Masia, President of the International Skiing History Association and former skiing instructor, provided insights from decades of experience. He highlighted the ski industry’s awareness of climate issues, noting that many are already seeking exit strategies for a potentially shrinking market: "Ski area ownership…is aware that the industry is life-limited and that they need exit strategies."

Climate awareness activist Wendolyn Holland, an attorney specializing in clean energy policies, shared how her love of skiing inspired her climate work. "I got in the clean energy industry because I love skiing and I saw the skiing lifestyle potentially threatened…in my lifetime," she explained. Holland’s work now focuses on aligning tax policies with sustainability goals, enabling both industry and government to drive meaningful change.

A bustling ski resort under unseasonably warm conditions. 

The Impact of Climate Change on Snow Sports

The panelists discussed recent studies and data showing how climate change is already affecting snow sports. According to Sanders, "The average snow sports season in the Northern Hemisphere has decreased by 5 to 7 days in the past 20 years," with studies from the Universities of Innsbruck and Waterloo suggesting the season could be shortened by over a month by 2050 if current trends continue.

Gloninger emphasized that rising temperatures are shifting snowfall patterns, making it harder to count on early-season snow. "The front end of the season…[has] really been difficult to guarantee a good dump of snow early on," he noted, stressing that this shift is another indication of a changing climate. Technological adaptations like AI-based snow management provide some temporary relief but are no long-term solution.

Challenges of Communicating Climate Issues in Public Media

Both Gloninger and Holland discussed the complexities of public climate communication. Gloninger shared the challenges he faced reporting on climate issues, including harassment and death threats, as well as station concerns over viewer backlash. "I received a series of harassing emails that peaked when I got a death threat…station management said to me that they didn’t want me to do it anymore." Despite the challenges, he continues advocating for honest climate reporting in hopes of reaching a broader audience.

Holland stressed the need to communicate climate science in non-confrontational ways that resonate with diverse perspectives: "Delivering facts in a way that people are willing to digest and address…without bias," she explained. Both emphasized the importance of data-driven, accessible messaging to counter misinformation and political polarization.

A group of environmentalists and climate scientists meet with ski area ownership to discuss climate issues at a ski lodge.

Corporate Response: Balancing Profit and Sustainability

Masia provided a critical perspective on corporate responses to climate change, noting that the drive for short-term profit often overshadows long-term sustainability. "Like the fossil fuel industry, a lot of large companies involved in skiing have determined that the smart thing to do is to maximize their profits while they still have a product to sell," he observed. Masia pointed out how Wall Street’s influence on ski resorts and related industries often leads to decisions driven by profit margins rather than environmental responsibility.

He also mentioned the outside influence exasperates aspects of business such as the cost of insurance, or available housing for resort staff.

However, Holland, who specializes in clean energy, noted there’s cause for optimism when aligning market forces with environmental goals. Holland explained, "I think there is cause for hope, and it's when we align market forces with the environmental forces and don't see them at odds with one another." She pointed out that the current administration has made substantial federal investments in clean energy technologies—an opportunity that mainstream investors could leverage rather than continuing to pour resources into outdated technologies. "We’re riding the wave of massive federal investment in clean energy technologies in the Biden administration’s Invest in America portfolio,” she explained, referencing initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and other stimulus programs. “If I had one wish, it would be that mainstream investors see this as an investment opportunity rather than continuing to invest in dying technologies.”

Ski slopes with artificial snow being created, blending with a green, spring-like landscape in the background, symbolizing adaptation efforts. 

Adaptation Efforts in the Ski Industry

In Canada, the ski industry is already implementing measures to adapt to climate change. Yves Juneau from the Canadian Ski Council shared details of a recent two-year study assessing the impact of climate change on Quebec ski resorts. “We are producing a resiliency plan to make sure that we’re able to adapt and continue to offer great skiing experiences,” Juneau explained. The study includes a mountain-specific diagnosis tool to help resorts forecast climate impacts through 2050 and 2070.

Gloninger pointed out that while these innovations are helpful, they’re ultimately stopgap measures. "…Really, it’s just putting a Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging wound," he warned, suggesting that without broader action, these efforts may only delay inevitable decline.

An Indigenous elder in traditional attire sharing wisdom about nature with others in a snowy landscape, symbolizing traditional ecological knowledge.

Integrating Indigenous Ecological Knowledge

Holland highlighted the importance of Indigenous ecological knowledge, known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), as a guide for more sustainable resource management practices. "They are much better at stewarding the natural resources around them than we non-natives are," Holland observed. She noted that Native communities bring a perspective of harmony with nature, viewing resource management as a responsibility rather than a commodity.

Holland emphasized that Native tribes are increasingly taking the lead in renewable energy development—a shift from traditional models that often imposed external projects on tribal lands. "Helping the federal agencies understand their trust responsibility as well as understand that tribes are now kind of in the driver's seat, doing their own work to develop renewable energy projects," Holland explained. She noted that this role reversal empowers tribes to act as stewards of their own resources, advancing climate goals within Indigenous frameworks and wisdom. "If we focus on those who are the worst off, the rest of us might be able to figure it out," she concluded, emphasizing the need to learn from Indigenous principles.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Snow Sports and Climate Education

The meeting closed with a call for continued dialogue and collaboration across the snow sports, meteorology, and climate science communities. Gloninger expressed optimism about bringing climate education into the public sphere and hopes for partnerships with meteorological groups. "Meteorologists have a platform…that can help drive education around this severe danger," he said.

Moderator Charlie Sanders emphasized NASJA’s commitment to fostering these discussions, echoing a sentiment shared by all participants that this is only the beginning. As the impacts of climate change continue to unfold, it’s clear that honest conversation, shared responsibility, and ongoing collaboration will be essential to protecting the future of winter sports and the planet.

A detailed landscape image of a snowy mountain range with noticeable melting and patches of exposed ground, symbolizing shorter snow seasons due to climate change.

This powerful exchange highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in addressing climate change’s impact on snow sports. While adaptation efforts are underway, the path forward calls for honest dialogue, collaborative action, and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship—essential if future generations are to enjoy winter on the slopes.

One last image - since the ski industry is often referred to as “the canary in the coal mine”.

As always remember,

“Technology is nothing without Humanity.”

Copyright (C) Dave Tragethon. All rights reserved. No part of this blog post may be used without written permission from the author.