Ski Lovers Beware: 70% Say Climate Change Could Ruin Their Next Adventure! Are You Next?

A recent survey conducted by Protect Our Winters (POW) has provided a revealing glimpse into how climate change is reshaping the landscape of winter tourism. The survey, part of a scientific study known as the "Focus Years" project in the Saalfelden-Leogang tourism destination, was carried out on the last weekend of February 2026 by volunteers from POW. This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Saalfelden Leogang Tourism Association and Professor Robert Steiger from the University of Innsbruck.

The findings are striking: approximately 81% of skiers reported that climate change is a factor they consider when planning their trips. This concern is echoed in the booking behaviors of skiers, with 72% expressing dissatisfaction with the decline in natural snow. This shift is significant, as 51.7% of respondents indicated a preference for ski resorts that offer higher snow reliability in light of current uncertainties surrounding snow conditions.

Additional insights from the survey show that snow conditions are pivotal for many skiers; around 75.5% identified them as a key factor influencing their choice of ski resort. Many are even contemplating changing their travel dates to align with more favorable snow conditions. The survey highlights broad apprehension among skiers, with 72% viewing climate-related changes negatively. Concerns include shorter seasons, poorer snow quality, and a growing dependence on artificial snow. While artificial snowmaking is recognized as a vital adaptation strategy, there is an increasing demand for ski resorts to diversify their offerings beyond just snow-dependent activities.

The survey also explored guests' attitudes toward climate protection initiatives, specifically the presence of wind turbines in ski resort areas. Interestingly, 33.3% of respondents felt that wind turbines positively influenced their skiing experience, with 15.7%49.3%17.5%

The gondola survey took place over the weekend of February 28th to March 1st, 2026, with 536 individuals participating. Participants completed both printed and digital questionnaires, conveniently accessible via QR codes during gondola rides, taking an average of 12 minutes to complete. The comprehensive results of this survey will be publicly shared on April 15, 2026, during the event titled “Tourism in Transition: What Does Climate Protection Really Achieve?” in Saalfelden.