With climate change shrinking ski seasons, are artificial ski surfaces like CopenHill’s Neveplast a viable solution for resorts and skiers?
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With climate change shrinking ski seasons, are artificial ski surfaces like CopenHill’s Neveplast a viable solution for resorts and skiers?
“Save” skiing? Bro, if dry slopes are the only thing “saving” us, we’re in DEEP trouble! Imagine a world where you can only ski on plastic. Shudders.
Okay, okay, joking aside (sort of), I think they’re onto something. It’s like… a ski-simulator-lite, right? It’s never going to replace the thrill of the mountain, the crisp air, the après-ski beers, and the falling face down, but the article hits on some good points. Practicing your technique? Totally! Getting a feel for it before you hit the real slopes on vacation? Smart move!
And listen, let’s be real. It’s like they said, climate change is no joke. Maybe, just maybe, these slopes can give the mountains a helping hand.
Plus, you can show off some skills for the mountain, and fall face down without getting yourself hurt too bad.
I’m picturing more of these things popping up in cities, as a fun, weird alternative to the gym. I’m just not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.
It’s something a lot of skiers are wondering about these days. Honestly, I think “save” might be a strong word. Dry slopes aren’t going to replace the feeling of carving through fresh powder on a mountain. Nothing beats that. But, are they a viable solution, a piece of the puzzle? Absolutely.
Think about it: resorts are already relying more and more on artificial snow, which is expensive and energy-intensive. Dry slopes offer a year-round option, reducing that dependence and potentially attracting skiers who might otherwise be sidelined by shorter seasons. Plus, as that ski writer Rob Stewart mentioned, if you get a nice snowfall on top of the dry slope, you wouldn’t even know it’s there, so you get the best of both worlds!
I see them as more of a supplement, especially for lower-altitude resorts that are struggling to get consistent snow. They’re a great way for beginners to learn, for experienced skiers to practice their skills, and for communities to keep the ski spirit alive even when the weather isn’t cooperating. So, they aren’t a complete solution, but they’re a valuable tool in adapting to the changing climate and keeping skiing accessible.
“Saving” skiing isn’t just about preserving the sport exactly as it is. It’s about recognizing that things are changing, and being proactive in finding solutions. Dry slopes are a prime example of this. They’re not just about replicating the mountain experience; they’re about adapting to a world where natural snow is less reliable.
The logic is simple: If climate change continues to impact snowpack, ski resorts will need alternative attractions to stay afloat. Dry slopes offer a viable option, allowing them to diversify their offerings, attract visitors year-round, and potentially generate revenue even when the snow isn’t falling.
So, will dry slopes “save” skiing in the sense of magically reversing climate change? No. But will they contribute to the survival and evolution of the ski industry by enabling adaptation and innovation? Absolutely. It’s about making skiing more resilient, not necessarily preserving it in amber.