High up in the European Alps, 18-year-old alpine skier Pietro Casartelli has always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. But climate change is making his goals harder and much more expensive to achieve.
Last year, record-high temperatures melted his usual high-altitude summer ski slopes. With training grounds disappearing, Pietro planned to join a training camp in Chile. However, the trip was canceled as too few participants could afford the fees.
“Warming weather systems and shorter seasons are threatening winter sports and testing the resolve of professionals and amateurs alike across Europe,” Pietro lamented.
In the French Pyrenees, the impact is equally stark. Hautacam, a ski resort known for its 20 pistes, rebranded itself “Hautacam Plage” (Hautacam Beach) on social media. The slopes, once bustling with skiers, have become destinations for hiking and biking rather than winter sports.
“If we keep having seasons like this one, we’ll have to stop,” said Josiane Sempe, owner of a ski rental store in Hautacam. With diminishing snowfall and rising temperatures, the future of her business hangs in the balance.
The challenges faced by Pietro and Josiane are emblematic of a broader crisis. Climate change is not only altering landscapes but also reshaping economies and cultures that have long revolved around winter sports.
As Europe grapples with these changes, the question remains: What does the future hold for winter sports enthusiasts and the industries that support them?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
