Alison Wines and her family journeyed from Toronto to Revelstoke, B.C., last year for the ski season, only to discover that the snow conditions were superior back home in Ontario. This disappointment highlighted the increasing uncertainty in winters and ski conditions, likely due to climate change.
Avid skier Wines emphasized that skiing is a sport that can be enjoyed across generations within a family. However, she expressed concerns about the escalating climate pressures on skiing. Drawing from her experience at Protect Our Winters Canada and her current outdoors-focused consultancy, Wines stressed the importance of addressing climate change to preserve Canadian winter traditions.
Experts emphasize the significance of maintaining a consistent ski season, lasting approximately 100 days during winter, for both resorts and skiers planning trips. Madeleine Orr, a sport ecology professor at the University of Toronto, highlighted the financial viability of ski resorts and the potential impact on future industry participation if ski conditions continue to deteriorate.
With 2025 ranking as the third-warmest year on record and projections indicating ongoing warming trends due to greenhouse gas emissions, challenges facing the ski industry are expected to intensify. While artificial snowmaking can mitigate natural snowfall shortages, Orr cautioned that cold winter weather remains essential for sustaining ski resorts effectively.
The decline of over half of North American ski resorts since the 1970s, attributed significantly to climate change impacts on snowfall patterns, underscores the urgent need for climate action within the ski industry. Rising costs associated with skiing, including lift tickets, gear rentals, and accommodation, are putting financial pressure on families interested in the sport.
Despite the escalating expenses, interest in snow sports continues to grow, with a steady increase in participation rates. To adapt to changing market dynamics, ski resorts are diversifying their offerings to become year-round destinations, offering warm-weather activities such as hiking and biking during off-ski seasons.
For families seeking more affordable skiing options, smaller local ski slopes like Earl Bales Park in Toronto and Glen Eden in Milton, Ont., remain accessible choices. These local resorts are implementing snowmaking technologies to ensure consistent snow conditions and attract skiing enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options closer to home.