Climate change is casting a long shadow over Europe's beloved winter sports, making it increasingly difficult for young athletes like 18-year-old alpine skier Pietro Casartelli to achieve their dreams.
Last year, Pietro faced a significant setback when his usual high-altitude summer ski slopes were melted by record-high temperatures. This not only disrupted his training but also led to the cancellation of a planned training camp in Chile, as rising costs made it unaffordable for many aspiring skiers.
The warming weather systems and shorter winter seasons are not just affecting professionals but also amateurs across Europe. Ski resorts are feeling the pinch; Hautacam, a ski resort in the French Pyrenees, rebranded itself as \"Hautacam Plage\" (Hautacam Beach) on social media. Its 20 pistes have transitioned from snow-covered slopes to popular destinations for hiking and biking, signaling a shift away from winter sports.
Josiane Sempe, owner of a ski rental store in Hautacam, expressed her concerns, stating, \"If we keep having seasons like this one, we'll have to stop.\" This sentiment echoes the growing anxiety among those who have long relied on winter sports tourism.
The challenges posed by climate change are prompting a reevaluation of winter sports' future in Europe. As temperatures rise and snowfall becomes more unpredictable, the resilience of both the sports and the communities that support them is being tested.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
