Wisconsin’s ski hills are reportedly demonstrating increased reliance on snowmaking and other strategies in response to altered snow conditions resulting from climate change, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. The data comes from a new study conducted by researchers with Wisconsin Sea Grant and UW–Stevens Point.
Researchers interviewed around 25% of Wisconsin’s ski area owners or managers last summer to assess the impact of climate change on downhill skiing across the state. Factors like volatile weather and shorter seasons have necessitated heavier investment in snowmaking equipment and other adaptations.
Warmer winters are effectively shifting the start of Wisconsin’s ski season to later in December, rather than November.
