Concerns about climate change have raised questions about the future of European ski resorts. However, ski specialists in the UK remain optimistic about long-term prospects.
- Experts note that British skiers typically favour high-altitude destinations, which are less threatened by warming temperatures.
- Laurence Monnoyer-Smith’s warning about the Pyrenees is seen as less relevant for the UK skiing market.
- Ski Solutions’ Craig Burton highlights the continued popularity of snow-sure resorts like Val d’Isere and Tignes.
- The industry anticipates diversification, with interest growing in Scandinavian and Canadian destinations.
Ski specialists have expressed confidence regarding the UK’s ski market, amidst growing concerns about climate change impacts on European resorts. Laurence Monnoyer-Smith, from the French national space agency, recently warned that ski destinations, particularly in the Pyrenees, might be untenable by 2050 if global temperatures continue to rise. However, UK ski operators believe their favoured destinations will remain viable.
Craig Burton, CEO of Active Travel Group, believes the resorts most threatened by climate change are not popular among British skiers. He reassures that British skiers tend to select higher-altitude and snow-reliable locations like Val d’Isere and Tignes, which are expected to remain viable throughout the century.
Burton underscores that the Pyrenees, specifically mentioned as at risk, attract less than 1% of UK ski tourists. Therefore, disruptions in those areas are unlikely to significantly impact the UK market. The Pyrenees’ lower altitudes have already made them less appealing due to inconsistent snowfall.
Further supporting this view, Richard Sinclair from ski agency Sno identifies at-risk areas as smaller, obscure locations largely unfamiliar to UK skiers. He states, ‘The demise of these tiny, low-elevation towns is perhaps inevitable, but they have never been a destination for UK holidaymakers.’
The industry also notes evolving preferences among skiers, with an increasing interest in Northern European regions like Norway and Finland, and across Canada, known for their reliably cold winters. Sinclair anticipates these destinations could become more prominent in the budget segment of the ski market, especially for short-haul holidays.
Despite the climate change warnings, the UK ski market is expected to adapt and thrive, focusing on high-altitude and northern markets.
