By Stella Odueme
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) have developed a new guide to help ski resorts and winter sports operators manage the growing threats posed by climate change, particularly rising temperatures and declining snowfall.
The joint publication, titled Weather and Climate Services for Ski Resorts, provides practical guidance on using weather forecasts, climate data and projections to improve operational efficiency, manage seasonal uncertainties and guide long-term investments in mountain tourism.
The organisations said on Tuesday that the initiative was necessary as changing climate conditions increasingly affect the availability of snow, the sustainability of ski infrastructure and the organisation of international winter sports competitions.
FIS Sustainability Director, Susanna Sieff, and WMO Director of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery, Daniel Kull, said the report provides a comprehensive overview of observed and projected changes in weather, snow and ice conditions, as well as information services available to support decision-making.
They explained that the publication also examines how such information could be applied to immediate operational activities, seasonal preparations and long-term adaptation strategies.
The report was unveiled on November 3, 2026, during a FIS Sustainability Webinar, where WMO experts also presented seasonal predictions for the forthcoming winter. As
The development comes as the 2026/2027 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season gets underway, following its opening events in Sölden, Austria, on October 24 and 25.
FIS disclosed that adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of 25 Ski World Cup races during the 2025/2026 season, illustrating the increasing disruption of sporting activities by unpredictable weather.
The report identified rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, drought and shrinking glaciers as major threats to the winter sports industry.
It noted that Western Europe and the contiguous United States experienced their warmest summer on record in 2026, with severe heat and drought accelerating the loss of snow and ice in mountain regions.
WMO's climate and water assessments further indicate that 2015 to 2025 was the warmest 11-year period on record globally, while glaciers across all regions have experienced widespread losses for four consecutive years.
Similarly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that snow cover duration has declined in nearly all regions, particularly at lower elevations, by an average of five days per decade.
Citing research published in Nature Climate Change, the report warned that 53 per cent of 2,234 ski resorts across 28 European countries could face very high risks to snow supply if global temperatures increase by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, in the absence of snowmaking.
Such conditions, it said, could make some resorts economically unviable and increase pressure on operators to invest in climate adaptation.
The Swiss Alps provide a clear illustration of the challenge. According to Glacier Monitoring Switzerland (GLAMOS), the combination of poor winter snowfall and intense heatwaves between May and September 2026 resulted in the country's second-lowest glacier mass balance on record after 2022.
Glacier melting between 2022 and 2026 was more than twice the rate recorded in any previous monitored five-year period, contributing to an almost 20 per cent reduction in ice volume since 2021.
The report also cited data from Switzerland's National Centre for Climate Services showing that snowfall days below 800 metres have fallen by half since 1970.
It added that the winter zero-degree level in Switzerland has risen from about 600 metres above sea level 50 years ago to approximately 850 metres today, with further increases expected.
Beyond the environmental consequences, the changing conditions pose serious economic and operational challenges for ski resorts.
Although artificial snowmaking has become increasingly important in maintaining reliable ski seasons, the process requires suitable temperature and humidity conditions, which are becoming less available as the climate warms.
Reduced water availability, declining glacier-fed water sources and rising electricity costs could further increase the cost of snow production.
To address these challenges, WMO and FIS recommend that ski operators integrate reliable weather and climate information into three levels of decision-making.
For daily operations, real-time observations, short-term forecasts, hazard warnings and avalanche bulletins can improve lift safety, snowmaking, slope maintenance and visitor communications.
Seasonal forecasts can assist operators with decisions on opening and closing dates, staffing, budgets, energy and water requirements, marketing and competition schedules.
For long-term planning, climate monitoring, historical records and future projections can guide investments in infrastructure, snowmaking facilities, insurance, diversification and other adaptation measures.
The guide is targeted at ski resort operators, mountain destination managers and organisers of winter sports events and festivals. It is also expected to support national meteorological and hydrological services in developing relevant information for the industry.
WMO and FIS began strengthening their cooperation on climate-related challenges facing winter sports following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2024.
The partnership has since produced capacity-building initiatives, including a webinar for race and ski area managers in November 2024 and a joint glacier visit in October 2025.
The latest report, alongside a shorter practical resource guide, is intended to improve access to relevant climate information and strengthen the industry's ability to prepare for immediate weather risks and long-term climate change.
WMO is the United Nations system's authoritative voice on weather, climate and water.