Australia's Ski Season Faces Decline Amid Global Warming, Thredbo Sees Slow Bookings

Australia's ski season is facing a significant decline as a result of global warming, with slow bookings reported at Thredbo's mountain lodge ahead of the season. Last year's disappointing snowfall and early closure of ski lifts are likely contributing factors.

Why this matters: The decline of Australia's ski season has significant implications for the environment, economy, and local communities. If left unchecked, it could lead to the loss of unique ecosystems, economic instability, and a decline in tourism revenue.

A new report from the Australian National University (ANU) predicts that the average length of ski seasons will decrease significantly as a result of global heating. By 2030, the season is expected to be cut from 105 days to 81 days, and by 2050, it could be as short as 70 days. Under middle-of-the-road emissions, the season could be just 61 days by mid-century, a 40% cut from current conditions.

The report highlights that some ski resorts, such as Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlotte Pass in New South Wales, and Victoria's Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, will be less affected than others. However, resorts like Mt Buller, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain, Mt Selwyn, and Ben Lomond are most vulnerable and may not be economically viable past the next few decades.

The impacts of global heating on ecosystems are also severe. Snowcover in the alpine region has already dropped by about 30% between the 1950s and 2012. Snow gums, the only tree that can survive in sub-alpine environments, are threatened by increasing bushfires and water stress. Professor Adrienne Nicotra, director of the Australian Mountain Research Facility, notes, "It's becoming apparent that a lot of the trees around the resorts are dying. "

Communities and industries are advised to become more resilient and diversify as revenues from downhill skiing decline. Sam Beaver, a researcher at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, emphasizes the need for rapid and continued cuts to climate pollution this decade to give these regions the best chance of thriving past 2050. "The modelling shows pretty clearly we need rapid and continued cuts to climate pollution this decade to give these regions and these industries the best chance of thriving passed 2050," Beaver said.

The current situation at Thredbo reflects these challenges. Annalisa Koeman, managing supervisor at Kasees Apartments and Mountain Lodge, attributes the slow bookings to last year's disappointing snowfall. "The webcams do not lie," she said, referring to the lack of snow on ski runs.

The 2024 snow season officially opens this weekend at most major resorts, with snowmaking machines topping up early snowfall at some resorts and making up for shortfalls at others. However, the long-term outlook remains bleak unless significant action is taken to address climate change.

Australia's ski season faces a challenging future as a result of global heating, with significant declines in snowfall and ski season length expected. Immediate action to cut greenhouse gas emissions is essential to preserving these regions and their unique ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's ski season faces significant decline due to global warming.
• Ski season length to decrease by 40% by mid-century under middle-of-the-road emissions.
• Some ski resorts, like Thredbo, will be less affected, while others may not be viable past 2050.
• Snowcover in alpine regions has already dropped by 30% since the 1950s.
• Rapid cuts to climate pollution this decade are needed to preserve ski industries and ecosystems.