Over half of European ski resorts face severe snow shortages under 2C warming: WMO

More than half of Europe’s ski resorts could face severe snow shortages if global temperatures rise 2C above preindustrial levels, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned Tuesday, highlighting growing risks to winter tourism. In a joint report with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the UN weather agency cited research showing that 53% of 2,234 ski resorts across 28 European countries would face “very high risks” to snow availability without artificial snowmaking.

The report comes after weather conditions forced the cancellation of 25 Ski World Cup races during the 2025-2026 season. According to the WMO, snow cover duration has declined by an average of five days per decade across nearly all regions, particularly at lower elevations. Switzerland has experienced particularly severe impacts, with glaciers losing nearly 20% of their ice volume since 2021. At elevations below 800 meters (2,625 feet), the number of snowfall days in Switzerland has halved since 1970, the report noted.

The WMO warned that artificial snowmaking is becoming increasingly difficult as rising temperatures reduce suitable conditions and place additional pressure on water and energy resources. The report urges ski resorts to use weather forecasts, seasonal outlooks and long-term climate projections to improve operational planning and adapt infrastructure to changing conditions.