Snow - But Not in Abondance Warn iGOSKi

LONDON - With all the chatter about global warming and changes in the Gulf Stream, one has to wonder whether or not there is less snow in the French Alps than ten years ago. Following that train of thought, scientists and skiers alike have begun to wonder if perhaps there is going to be less snow in the future for the French Alps.

One ski resort, in particular has already experienced the devastating effects of less snowfall in the French Alps. Although the ski station in Abondance has a history of at least 40 years of pure white snow slopes to offer its skiers, this town’s slopes turned muddy in 2006 forcing the city council to close the ski lifts due to slushy slopes.

Located between Lake Leman and Mont Blanc, Abundance falls into an altitude range that scientists say is experiencing fewer days of snowfall. The height of this particular area is approximately 930 metres or so. Other areas at this altitude are expected to experience more of the same in the future.

In addition to fewer snowfalls occurring at this altitude range, fewer investors are willing to take a chance on funding new ski stations. The unpredictability of the weather and the fact that less snow seems to be falling in certain areas is making investors uneasy. Their optimism about this area that used to enjoy abundant snowfall is fading.

Of course, this is only one area of the French Alps, and the climate may change. In particular, scientists believe that the north-westerly and westerly air streams that typically bring snow to the Alps might be blocked by weather-related circumstances. Moreover, some scientists question the existence of global warming while other groups of scientists believe in its existence.

Other factors impinging the amount of snow on the slopes of the French Alps include not only decreased precipitation, but also, the arrival time of this precipitation. After all, a month too early or a month too late and the slopes receive a very unhealthy dose of rain rather than snow.

Since most of the variables in this scenario are unpredictable, no one can accurately state whether less snow on the slopes is a permanent feature of the ski stations located in the French Alps or not. One thing that can be said with a fair amount of certainty is that skiers should enjoy the slopes now while the snow is available for hours of enjoyable skiing.

About iGOSKi

iGOSKi offers ski weekends(www.igoski.co.uk/) and is a brand of the long established niche ski holiday company Alpine Elements who have been running catered chalets for the past 13 years.

The Alpine Elements Group employs 125 people during the season, with head offices in London and Chamonix, France. In 2008/9 the Group provided ski holidays(www.alpineelements.co.uk/) over 12,000 people to the nine resorts it covers in the Alps.

www.igoski.co.uk

Source: iGOSKi

James Hardiman, Director, Alpine Elements Ltd, Unit 3, Wigton Place, London, SE11 4AN, +44(0)8700 111360