Adapting to climate change: perceptions of vulnerability of down-hill ski area operators in Southern and Middle Finland

Abstract

Climate change is likely to affect the tourism sector, particularly areas, such as snow-based tourism, that are directly dependent on climate and weather conditions. Especially vulnerable are low-lying ski areas. This study identifies the climatic factors that are crucial for economically successful operation of low-lying ski areas in Southern and Middle Finland and contemplates how these factors are seen to change with climate change. The study then analyses the preferences for and perceptions of adaptation strategies of downhill ski operators in terms of the adaptation measures they can implement or are willing to take. The findings indicate that climatic conditions set preconditions for the operation of the ski areas, but short-term operational prospects and inter-annual variability in weather conditions rather than foreseen changes in climatic conditions guide the operational decisions of the ski area operators. A key adaptation strategy to respond to uncertain snow conditions is artificial snowmaking, which lowers the vulnerability of the areas to the impacts of climate change too.

Keywords:

• climate change adaptation
• skiing
• winter recreation
• weather
• climate
• tourism

Acknowledgements

Data utilised in the study was collected during the MAVERIC-project (Map-based assessment of vulnerability to climate change employing regional indicators), funded by the Academy of Finland in 2009--2012 and coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE).