Linking Climate Change and Skiing in New Hampshire
In the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a picturesque winter landscape is still a sight to behold. Despite global warming trends, the region has experienced some unexpected benefits – extended late-season snow dumps that have prolonged the ski and hiking seasons well into June and kept deep snow cover until April[1]. This unexpected turn of events offers extended opportunities for winter sports, bucking the general expectation of shorter ski seasons with warming winters.
However, these late-season snowfalls do not alleviate the long-term risks posed by climate change. Scientific projections indicate that warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns will eventually reduce the length of winter recreation seasons overall, negatively affecting snow-dependent sports like downhill skiing and snowshoeing[2]. This shift is a concern for regional resource management plans, as New Hampshire's winter tourism industry heavily relies on these sports.
To mitigate these risks, the state has taken measures to protect its valuable water resources. New laws have been passed to ban ski waxes containing PFAS, harmful "forever chemicals" that contaminate lakes and drinking water[3]. Additionally, efforts have been made to strengthen protections against pollution that contributes to cyanobacteria blooms, safeguarding the lakes and watersheds critical for winter sports and overall environmental health in the region.
Adaptation strategies also include better watershed protection, controlling pollution sources, and the use of snowmaking technology to maintain ski operations despite fluctuating natural snow cover. While not explicitly stated for New Hampshire, snowmaking is a widespread adaptive response to warming winters across the ski industry[4].
The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Study, which has conducted long-term data collection and collaborative studies in the White Mountains for over six decades, provides valuable insights into climate trends and indicators[5]. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that a combination of environmental protections and technical adaptations will be necessary to sustain winter sports.
[1] New Hampshire’s White Mountains benefit from extended late-season snowfall. (2023). Retrieved from [link] [2] Climate change and winter recreation in New Hampshire. (2023). Retrieved from [link] [3] New laws to protect water quality in New Hampshire. (2023). Retrieved from [link] [4] Adaptation strategies for winter sports in a changing climate. (2023). Retrieved from [link] [5] Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Study. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link]
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