The future of winter sports is looking bleak due to climate change, and ski and snowboard chiefs are taking action. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) cancelled 26 World Cup races last season due to weather-related issues, highlighting the urgent need for change ¹.
FIS President Johan Eliasch emphasizes that climate change poses an “existential threat” to skiing and snowboarding. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also warned that only 10 countries will be able to host snow sports by 2040, a stark reality check for the industry.
To combat this, the FIS has partnered with the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to address the crisis. This historic memorandum of understanding marks the WMO’s first collaboration with an international sports federation. The partnership aims to raise awareness about climate change’s impact on snow and ice cover and develop practical solutions.
The consequences of inaction are dire, with winter tourism facing a desolate future. Rising global temperatures threaten the very existence of skiing and snowboarding. Eliasch stresses the importance of science-driven efforts, ensuring the partnership with WMO is built on objective analysis.
This collaborative effort may pave the way for innovative solutions, safeguarding the future of winter sports. As the FIS and WMO work together, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping their efforts will mitigate the devastating effects of climate change on skiing and snowboarding.
