Studies indicate global warming could leave Japan with only seven ski resorts by 2026.

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture) recently announced findings indicating that if global warming leads to reduced snowfall, only seven ski resorts in Japan will remain viable. The team noted that if global average temperatures continue to rise, the number of facilities capable of operating solely on natural snow will plummet, dealing a severe blow to Japan's ski culture and regional tourism industries.

The study analyzed 349 ski resorts across Japan equipped with chairlifts or gondolas. Researchers modeled two scenarios—temperature increases of 4°C and 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels—and assessed viability based on the ability to operate for over 100 days annually without relying on artificial snow.

The results showed that under the 4°C warming scenario—a likely outcome given the current lack of significant climate action—only seven resorts (located in Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Gunma, and Nagano prefectures) would remain fully operational. Another 26 resorts would be capable of partial operation, extending the list to include Aomori, Niigata, and Gifu prefectures.

Conversely, if the temperature rise is limited to 2°C—aligning with the targets of the Paris Agreement—an estimated 53 resorts would remain fully operational, with 108 capable of partial operation. The study suggests that resorts located at higher altitudes and latitudes have a relatively higher chance of survival.

Nao Yoshizawa, a lecturer in tourism geography at Hokkaido University, pointed out that the employment and cultural traditions sustained by ski resorts could vanish, and regional or economic disparities might emerge regarding access to skiing. He emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stating, "To ensure a better future for ski tourism, regions need to explore future blueprints and adapt to climate change as soon as possible."

Source: Kyodo News