Skiers planning winter getaways are advised to prioritize high-altitude resorts due to increasingly unpredictable snowfall patterns, according to a joint report by the World Meteorological Organization and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Climate change is shrinking snow cover and threatening the viability of some lower-lying ski destinations.
Experts now generally consider slopes above 5,900 to 6,500 feet (1,800 to 2,000 meters) as the most reliable for consistent snow conditions. Lower-altitude resorts face a greater risk of mild winters and rain instead of snow. High-elevation destinations like Val Thorens and Chamonix in France, Zermatt in Switzerland, Obergurgl in Austria, and Cervinia in Italy are anticipated to perform better in the coming years than resorts at lower elevations.
The report notes that the period from 2015 to 2025 was the warmest decade on record globally, with accelerated glacier loss occurring for four consecutive years. Snow cover duration has decreased in nearly all studied mountain regions, particularly at lower elevations, where it is shrinking by an average of five days per decade.
Switzerland serves as a notable example, with the National Centre for Climate Services reporting that the number of snowfall days below 2,600 feet (800 meters) has halved since 1970. Concurrently, the winter freezing level has risen from approximately 1,970 feet (600 meters) 50 years ago to about 2,790 feet (850 meters) today, reducing the likelihood of snow accumulation in lower resorts.
The ski industry is already experiencing the consequences. During the 2025-26 season, weather conditions led to the cancellation of 25 Ski World Cup races. A study published in Nature Climate Change projects that if global temperatures rise by 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels, 53 percent of Europe's 2,234 ski resorts could face a high risk of snow shortages without snowmaking.
Further complicating the outlook is a strong El Niño event in the Pacific, which could contribute to milder and wetter conditions across Europe this winter, intensifying pressure on resorts dependent on steady snowfall.
The key takeaway for holidaymakers is to consider the altitude of the skiing terrain itself, not just the resort's base elevation. Resorts offering extensive areas above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) are generally better protected from warming winters and more likely to maintain reliable snow cover throughout the season. While lower resorts can still have good seasons, they are increasingly susceptible to temperature fluctuations and shorter snow periods.
Popular lower-level destinations such as Morzine and Les Gets in France, and Kitzbühel in Austria, may face growing challenges. Conversely, higher resorts like Val Thorens, Tignes, Zermatt, and Cervinia benefit from their ski terrain being situated well above the freezing line.
Even artificial snow solutions are not a complete answer, as snowmaking becomes less effective with rising temperatures and can be limited by water availability and energy costs. The report emphasizes that reliable weather and climate data are crucial for managing operational risks, seasonal variability, and long-term adaptation strategies for the winter sports industry.
The report suggests that better utilization of weather and climate data can help ski resorts plan more effectively and enhance their resilience in the face of a changing climate.