Ski resorts face extinction, says UN

Global warming is leading to increasingly-erratic snowfall patterns and could lead to the closure of many European ski resorts, according to a report by the United Nations. The UN study, which is reported in many of today’s national newspapers, states that many lower slopes are already being affected in Italy, Austria and Germany, while higher slopes are also under threat. It pointed out that many lower-lying resorts, such as Austria’s Kitzbuhel, which is at less than 800 metres above sea level, could face “economic disaster”. Research suggested that of 230 resorts in Switzerland, at least 50 will not have enough snow to sustain skiing within 30 years’ time. The Independent newspaper reports that the study was revealed at a major sports conference in Zurich. Rolf Burki, a lecturer in tourism management who was in charge of the study, reportedly told delegates: “As ski resorts at lower altitiudes face bankruptcy, so the pressures in highly environmentally sensitive, upper altitude areas arise.”