<
https://theconversation.com/ruapehus-slippery-slopes-the-uncertain-future-of-snow-sports-in-a-climate-emergency-193004>
"With New Zealand’s two major North Island ski fields in financial trouble, the
combined impact of COVID-19 on national and international tourism and this
year’s very poor snow season has hit hard. But this may be only a sign of
things to come as climate change affects snow sports globally.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), which runs the Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields, has
debts of NZ$40 million and has gone into voluntary administration. Despite
calls for government support, Minister of Tourism and Economic and Regional
Development Stuart Nash has said there will be no more funding beyond the $15
million in loans already provided since 2018.
For now, then, the future of snow sports on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu remains
uncertain, directly and indirectly affecting many businesses and livelihoods.
But RAL is not the first ski company to struggle under increasingly
unpredictable winters.
Shorter or less predictable ski seasons and warmer temperatures are already
causing closures elsewhere. Some foreign ski fields are pivoting to cater for
summer recreational tourism such as mountain biking and hiking.
Some ski resorts in North America, Europe and Australia are now facing
uncertain futures. One US study found revenues could fall 40-60% (on average)
by 2080. The research is clearly showing the ways we currently practise and
consume snow sports are unsustainable."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
