Italian ski reports have seen a dramatic fall in snow, causing major concerns to local businesses that depend on the winter tourism trade. With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, skiers all around Europe will be looking forward to jetting off to the Alps.
Europe boasts some of the best ski resorts in the world, attracting enthusiasts in their hundreds of thousands. Italian resorts have led the way in recent years, pouring millions of euros into upgrading infrastructure and facilities. Last season, the industry invested over €300million (£264m) in new lifts and snow-making equipment.
Skiing in Italy has an annual turnover of €11billion, making continual investment in resorts vital for its future. In particular, snow making machines are becoming increasingly important, given the lack of natural snow. Last season was a particularly snow poor one for many resorts in the Italian alps, as global warming continues to impact skiing.
Data from Italy’s National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA) showed that the Piedmont ski region as one of the worst affected. The ski area includes some of Italy’s most famous resorts beloved by Brits, and include among them Sauze d’Oulx and Claviere.
In a report on snow fall for the 2024-25 season, SNPA wrote: « In Piedmont the snowfall deficit reached 20-40%, placing it among the least snowy in the last 60 years, especially at low altitudes and in the southern sectors. »
« The number of days with snow on the ground reflects this trend, with a significant shortfall in the southern sectors, between -20% and -50%. »
Ski resorts in Lombardy were also aversely affected by milder weather and lack of snow.
The report recorded a late start to the ski season with the central months of winter « characterised by milder conditions » and limited snow « below 1800-2000 metres. »
Italy is not the only country struggling with warmer winter temperatures, with milder weather affecting all skiing nations.
Despite a large fall of snow and freezing temperatures at the end of November across the alps, many resorts have since been hit by unseasonably mild weather which has melted much of the pre-season snow.
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