National Geographic current magazine

[LeeW]

anybody read that article about the Alps (yeah, i know its old news to us but nevertheless, there might be some who aren't in the "know") ???

Looks pretty grim. but more work for me and money -- i.e. snowmaking. :)

[D.T.]

no. so, what's the story?

[Cuban Carving Gooding]

I do recall some resorts closed do to lack of snow. Resorts that have been in operation for many years have seen warming trends in the last 10 years.

[nils]

THis winter beeing for now an exception ( big snowfalls in some areas)...most resorts that are around 700-1300m height from sea level and do not go above are likely indeed to shut down.. Some already have in the past years due to lack of snow and too warm temps... The resorts that start at 1000m are fighting to permit skiiers to go down the villages with skies on during the season now... and most glaciers in western europe have closed except the big names... with some still open but for how long ( Verbier Mont fort is closed in the summer now, L'alpe d'huez too,... In france only two glacier still open during the summer now.. Les deux alpes ( 3200m) and Tignes 3500m top height...Les 2 alpes has been however in very bad shape for the last 3 summers and there is rumors every year that that will not maintain it open for the summer due to cost, lack of snow, and preservation of what is left !

We'll see if this winter can bring enough snow height to refill the missing meters !

N

[LeeW]

ahh its not mentioned int his link, but it was mentioned in the magazine. some ski resort in france decided to shut down (It is spelled with A).

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-12/permafrost/barry-lopez.html