Image Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have announced a partnership aimed at addressing the alarming impacts of climate change on winter sports and tourism. This historic agreement marks the first time the UN’s WMO has aligned with an international sports federation, reflecting a shared commitment to raising awareness and driving actionable change.

Addressing the Urgent Impact of Climate Change

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, sets out to highlight the significant effects of rising global temperatures on snow and ice conditions while fostering initiatives that enhance scientific and sporting dialogue. “Ruined winter vacations and cancelled sports fixtures are just the beginning,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “The repercussions of climate change are devastating mountain ecosystems, communities, and economies, posing serious risks that will last for centuries.”

FIS President Johan Eliasch echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that climate change represents an existential threat to skiing and snowboarding. “We must harness science and objective analysis to address this crisis,” he stated. “This partnership with the WMO is a critical step towards ensuring the future of winter sports.”

Launching Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

The urgency of this partnership is underscored by the statistics from the 2023/24 season, during which FIS organized 616 World Cup races but had to cancel 26 due to weather-related issues. The newly established collaboration will be active ahead of the upcoming winter season and will initially last five years, with potential for renewal.

As part of their agreement, FIS and WMO will launch a series of initiatives to integrate scientific data into snow sports and mountain tourism. The first joint activity will be a webinar scheduled for November 7, aimed at educating 137 National Ski Associations and other stakeholders about the impacts of climate change on snow and ice conditions, as well as advancements in snow management forecasting.

Research Highlights the Crisis

Research underscores the urgency of this initiative. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change highlighted that without snowmaking, between 53% and 98% of ski resorts in Europe face severe snow supply risks under scenarios of 2 °C and 4 °C global warming, respectively. Switzerland, home to both organizations, has also reported dramatic changes in its climate, with alpine glaciers losing about 60% of their volume since 1850 and snowfall days halving at altitudes below 800 meters since 1970.