FIS and WMO Join Forces to Tackle Climate Change Threats to Winter Sports

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has entered a partnership with the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), marking the first collaboration between a global sports federation and the specialized agency. This new alliance seeks to address the increasingly urgent challenges climate change poses to winter sports and mountain tourism.

Raising Awareness of Climate Impacts

As climate change continues to alter the natural landscape, winter sports face unprecedented threats. FIS and WMO’s joint initiative aims to highlight how rising temperatures affect snow and ice, essential elements for skiing and snowboarding. The partnership will leverage WMO’s scientific data and expertise to promote awareness and encourage actionable change within the sporting and tourism sectors.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo underscores the severity of the situation, stating, “Ruined winter vacations and canceled sports fixtures are – literally – the tip of the iceberg of climate change. Retreating glaciers, reduced snow and ice cover, and thawing permafrost significantly impact mountain ecosystems, communities, and economies.” Her comments highlight the deepening climate crisis that will continue to unfold globally if left unchecked.

A New Agreement for Change

The agreement, set to take effect ahead of the 2024/25 winter season, outlines a five-year initial term with the possibility of renewal. This collaboration will allow both organizations to launch initiatives integrating scientific data into snow sports, creating practical approaches for tackling climate challenges. One of the first efforts, scheduled for November, includes a webinar on the potential impacts of climate change on snow sports, featuring advancements in snow management forecasting.

FIS President Johan Eliasch emphasizes that while the climate crisis is a global issue, it has immediate consequences for skiing and snowboarding. “The climate crisis is far bigger than FIS − or sports, for that matter: it is a genuine crossroads for mankind. It is true, though, that climate change is, simply put, an existential threat to skiing and snowboarding,” Eliasch notes, urging the need for scientifically grounded actions.

The Rising Risks to Snow Sports

Climate change continues to affect snowfall levels and glacier stability, posing significant risks to the future of winter tourism. A 2023 study published in Nature Climate Change explored the vulnerability of European ski resorts. The research showed that without snowmaking, more than half of Europe’s ski resorts would face critical snow shortages under global warming scenarios of 2°C, and nearly all would face this risk at 4°C. The study also reinforced the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these changes.

Switzerland, which is home to both FIS and WMO, has seen significant changes in its snowfall patterns. MeteoSwiss states snowfall days at altitudes below 800 meters have declined 50% since 1970. The zero-degree level, once at 600 meters above sea level, now averages around 850 meters. Without climate mitigation efforts, this level could rise by another 400‒650 meters by 2060, additionally threatening the future of snow-dependent regions.

A Broader Context

FIS has already committed to addressing climate change through its FIS Impact Programme, which sets out plans for reducing the sport’s carbon footprint. Meanwhile, WMO continues to prioritize the cryosphere, the frozen parts of the Earth, due to its crucial role in regulating global water cycles and temperatures.

WMO’s annual State of the Climate reports offer a detailed look at the effects of global warming, including the ongoing retreat of glaciers and declining snow cover. These changes impact winter tourism, hydropower, infrastructure, and transportation in mountainous regions.

As the climate crisis unfolds, this historic collaboration between FIS and WMO brings hope for meaningful action in the fight to protect winter sports and mountain ecosystems.

This article is based on information provided by the FIS.