global warming and closing ski areas

I spent this entire rainy weekend researching global warming. Here is some of the information I compiled.....

Seven resorts in Europe have closed glacial summer skiing in just the last two years- and blame global warming. The latest UN report on climate change warns that within 50 years over 200 ski resorts may have to close due to climate change. Another European report predicts a 2-4 degree temperature rise by 2080 causing reliable snow to rise 3,280 feet. This worst-case scenario could mean no snow and no snowmaking for 1,700 of Europe’s 4,000 ski areas. In the US, current carbon dioxide emission trends along with the subsequent global warming is forecasting closure of ski areas under 5,000 feet. Even the banking industry is jumping on this trend; some banks now refuse to finance ski resorts at elevations below 4,256 feet.

We all joke that Crested Butte could use a little warming up. As wonderful as that sounds, what could global warming mean for the entire snowsports industry in the US? The potential shut down of ski areas under 5,000 feet would keep thousands, if not millions of people in the United States and abroad from learning how to ski, which would result in an incredible decline in ski area tourists to Crested Butte. It is a real threat to our environment and our economy here in Colorado, and a big concern for more than 11.5 million U.S. skiers and snowboarders. It’s also a bottom line issue for the $3 billion US ski area industry, and tens of thousands of employees who count on dependable winters for a living.

Nineteen of the 20 hottest years on record have occurred since 1980; the top 10 since 1990. Worldwide average temperatures warmed a full degree over the 20th Century. If things don’t change, scientists warn we could see average temperature increases of 3 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century. That is faster than anything the world has ever seen in terms of temperature change in 650,000 years. Most scientists agree pollution is to blame for global warming. They say the biggest culprit is carbon dioxide, which comes from fossil fuels like coal and oil. If these emissions aren’t cut soon, we can expect major headaches. 982 scientists and reports agree that global warming is an issue. That consensus of scientists keeps getting stronger: from the National Academy of Sciences report to President Bush in 2001 to a declaration last December by the American Geophysical Union.

Troublesome to skiers and boarders is the fact that biggest impacts are likely to be felt where it matters most for winter sports: at higher elevations, and northern latitudes. The predictions on our current C02 trend are as follows: Fewer ski days, less snow, closing ski areas below 5,000 feet in the US, entire regions where people no longer learn to ski, more expensive snowmaking for areas still cold enough to make snow, and no snowmaking at all due to warm temperatures for others.

log on next week for what you can do to save the earth. alison