Ski resorts worldwide may be forced to close their slops within 20 years because climate change causes temperatures to rise and snow to melt. Across the world, skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports. Many people travel thousands of miles just for a chance of powdery fun. It’s even in the Olympics! Yet, all this joy may end within the next ten years if climate change continues to cause temperatures to rise. Anzere, a ski resort in Switzerland, the leading ski destination in Europe, is struggling to keep its slopes open. In December of 2022, the Switz alps received more rain than snow leading to dangerous mountain conditions. Over Christmas and leading into 2023, these mountains reached record-high temperatures. On some days, the sun rose high in the sky, bringing the air temperature to around 20.9°C(70°F) in the northwest. By the end of what would usually be their busy season, Anzere records nearly no snow on the ground. No one was able to ski on these rocky cliffs. Across the world, in the Rocky Mountains, resorts are struggling to stay open, quickly trying to adapt to their struggles. Many resorts are choosing to switch gears and investing in bike trails, climbing, and walkable hiking areas.

Skiing is also becoming more dangerous in recent years. Avalanches are increasing by astronomical numbers. Whenever snow comes in on the mountains early in the year, it can reach up to 40 or 50 feet worth of snow. As the days and nights progress, the air warms and cools these snow piles into glaciers. As temperatures rise, large amounts of snow break off the mountain and fall, resulting in lethal avalanches. Avalanches are deadly because the human body is three times denser than snow. This means that when an avalanche occurs, people sink into the body of the snow, making it almost impossible to save these victims. Additionally, when the snow settles after the landslide, it cements like concrete, cementing the victim and cutting off their air supply. If the victim is not saved within 19 to 35 minutes, the chances of survival drop to 34%. After one hour, only 1 in 10 victims survive. Avalanches can also reach up to 80 miles per hour in five seconds. New studies estimate avalanches kill an average of 150 people worldwide. As temperatures continue to rise in the future, avalanches will only become more common and more lethal.

This is just the beginning. As climate change continues, more people will die, and more resorts will be forced to close their slopes. Within the next ten years, snow depth will have shrunk by 1.6 inches. Within the next 20 years, the ski industry will likely be completely gone. The world needs to come together and end climate change to stop this from happening. The National Recources Defence Council (NRDC) has created a five-step plan to stop global warming. Evan, if you only follow through on one or two of these energy-saving tips, we can save the planet and the slopes together. The primary goal of this agenda is to cut down carbon admissions. The US produces 21 tons of carbon per year. This is four times the global average. The first step to ending global warming is to speak up and warn others. If more people know of the problem, more people can make a change. This way, we can make a more impactful change in the world. Step two of this plan is to keep your home energy-efficient. This can be done using solar, wind, and other natural resources to power your home instead of fossil fuels. You can also use energy-efficient lightbulbs and kitchen appliances. Step three of NDRC’s plan is to encourage people to buy only what they will eat and compost what they don’t. Approximately ten percent of the energy in the US goes to growing, packaging, processing, and shipping food products. Additionally, about 40% of all US food ends up in landfills. If we can limit what we buy and throw away, we can save a lot of energy and limit carbon emissions. Nextly, the NDRC warns against gas-powered vehicles. Instead, you can opt for public transport or use energy-efficient transportation. The final step in the goal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. This slogan is not new, but it is still essential. Do everything you can to save this planet. It is the only one we have. If we get back on track, we can keep our slopes and enjoy skiing for decades.