Snow joke: The uncertain future of Europe’s ski resorts

After the sunniest spell since the lockdown spring of 2020, it might not seem like it but speak to a meteorologist and they’ll tell you: snow is actually more likely to fall at Easter than it is at Christmas. And this brings me neatly onto skiing, which may feel completely out of sync with the season - but that’s exactly the point. 

While the winter season officially runs until May in many ski resorts, no one sensible is banking on even April (or December) for their ski trip any longer - unless they’re after closed runs, melting snow and disappointment. The shift toward warmer, more unpredictable winters is already having a visible impact on ski resorts across Europe. And in the years ahead, it’s expected to push more and more skiers higher up the mountain in search of snow they can count on.

On the surface, this might sound like a first-world problem affecting only those well-off enough to afford a snowsports holiday. But scratch beneath the powder and this is a serious issue affecting the survival of historic alpine villages and their inhabitants who face a very uncertain future.

Ski resorts under 1,500 metres are feeling the effects most sharply. These are the charming, tree-lined, historic villages across the Alps like Kitzbühel, Morzine, Megève, Les Gets, or Garmisch-Partenkirchen, that once offered reliably snowy Christmases and family-friendly access. But in recent years, snow cover has become less predictable, seasons are shortening, and when the snow does arrive, it’s often wet or artificial. According to long-term climate data, snow reliability in the Alps could decrease by up to 70% at lower elevations by the end of the century. For many communities though, the signs are already here.

The knock-on effects are real. With fewer snow days, resorts are facing reduced bookings, less work for ski schools and lift operators, and shorter peak seasons. Snowmaking has become more common, but it’s expensive, far from sustainable, and isn’t even effective in warmer temperatures. 

As a result, tourists are adapting fast, often opting for last-minute bookings based on snow conditions or skipping the lower resorts altogether - a shift that is increasingly reflected in the property market. Altitude is now seen as a form of insurance and buyers are prioritising snow-sure resorts above charm or tradition.

According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Ski Property Index, high-altitude resorts like Val Thorens and Tignes saw average property price growth of 4-5% last year. Meanwhile, many mid- and lower-altitude resorts saw either flat growth or early signs of decline. In France, places like Morzine and Les Carroz are seeing a softening in demand, especially from international buyers concerned about long-term snow reliability. It’s a similar story in parts of Austria and Italy, where the balance between accessibility and altitude is becoming increasingly difficult to get right.

That said, some resorts are finding ways to adapt. Year-round tourism, including hiking, mountain biking, and wellness retreats, is becoming more important. In fact, for many alpine resorts that have leaned into this trend, the summer season is now more lucrative than winter. Others are doubling down on their character, leaning into family-friendly experiences, slower tourism, or even becoming digital nomad-friendly destinations.

Skiing isn’t disappearing, but it is changing. For holidaymakers, that means rethinking when and where to go. For investors, it means being more selective and more strategic. And for the communities built around these slopes, it means accepting that the changing climate is only going in one direction, and so finding new ways to thrive in a climate that no longer guarantees what it once did.

Snow will probably fall at Easter again. But the future of Europe’s lower altitude ski resorts is increasingly unpredictable, and it’s worth paying attention before these once reliable destinations quietly fade from the map.