Japan’s ski industry, once a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, is grappling with a significant challenge: the decline in ski resorts. As of now, the number of operational ski resorts in Japan has fallen to a record low, dropping by nearly 40% since its peak in 1999. The culprit behind this decline is climate change, which has caused reduced snowfall and shorter ski seasons across the country. But Japan is not alone in facing these difficulties; the global ski tourism industry is also feeling the effects of warmer winters, raising questions about the long-term future of ski resorts worldwide.
Japan’s Ski Industry Faces a Dwindling Future
According to data from the Japan Funicular Transport Association, the number of ski resorts in Japan has steadily decreased, with just 417 resorts remaining in operation — down from 698 in 1999. Many resorts are now closing due to a combination of fewer snow days, higher operational costs, and declining domestic demand. Despite growing tourism demand from international visitors, the harsh reality of climate change is making it increasingly difficult to maintain traditional skiing operations.
The decline is particularly stark when viewed over a longer timeline. From a peak of 1,669 ski resorts in 1985, the number has plummeted to just 417 in 2025, representing a dramatic 75% reduction over four decades. Meanwhile, domestic participation has also fallen sharply, with only 2.8 million Japanese people reporting they had skied in 2024, compared to 4.8 million in 2015.
In particular, Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps — two of Japan’s most famous ski destinations — have experienced warmer winters in recent years. This has led to shorter seasons and, in some cases, the complete suspension of activities. Ski resorts, once thriving on consistent snowfall, are now facing disruptions in their ability to offer the high-quality experiences that attract skiers from around the world.
The Global Impact of Climate Change on Ski Resorts
Japan’s ski industry is not an isolated case. Around the world, ski resorts in Europe, North America, and other snow-dependent regions are experiencing similar challenges. Climate change is making winter seasons shorter, snowfalls lighter, and temperatures higher, threatening the traditional operations of ski resorts. Research shows that the ski season is now a month shorter than it was in the 1970s, with snow depth reduced by nearly 10% over the same period.
In the Alps, one of the world’s most iconic ski regions, the situation is particularly concerning. Studies indicate that 53% of European ski resorts will be at very high risk under 2°C warming, rising to a staggering 98% under 4°C warming. Ski seasons are now starting later and ending earlier, fundamentally altering the economics of resort operations.
In North America, ski resorts in places like California and Colorado are facing unpredictable weather patterns that directly impact their ability to operate at full capacity. The Japanese Alps are projected to lose 50% of their snow cover due to climate change, mirroring trends seen globally. As snowmaking becomes more expensive and less effective with rising temperatures, the financial viability of these resorts is coming into question.
Challenges Facing Ski Resorts and Solutions
Ski resorts are not sitting idle. To adapt, many have turned to snowmaking technology to maintain operations despite shorter natural snowfalls. However, this comes at a high cost, as producing artificial snow requires substantial water and energy — both of which are limited resources, especially in warmer climates.
Some resorts have begun to diversify their offerings to maintain year-round appeal. In Japan, innovative approaches include permitting skiing with dogs, allowing people to ride lifts to view scenery rather than exclusively for skiing, and developing alternative winter activities. These adaptations help resorts attract visitors even when snow conditions are less than ideal.
Higher-altitude ski facilities are being explored as they are less susceptible to warmer temperatures, though the cost of developing and maintaining such infrastructure often exceeds the budget of smaller resorts. The challenge remains: how to balance the need for sustainable operations with the financial realities of climate adaptation.
Sustainable Ski Tourism: The Key to Future Growth
As the effects of climate change continue to challenge the ski tourism sector, resorts must pivot toward sustainability. This shift involves reducing energy consumption, promoting eco-friendly transport (such as electric ski lifts), and reducing carbon footprints through innovative practices. Ski resorts are also looking to diversify their offerings beyond traditional skiing. In Japan, resorts are introducing snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, and winter hiking, creating year-round appeal.
The Japanese government and industry stakeholders have already set their sights on sustainable tourism as a way forward. Many regions, including Hokkaido, are exploring ways to attract eco-conscious travelers who seek not only skiing but also an immersive experience in the natural environment. Such efforts include promoting local culture and eco-friendly accommodations, making the region attractive to both winter sports fans and those interested in sustainable travel.
Interestingly, climate projections suggest that by mid-century, only four locations that hosted the 1924 Winter Games will still have suitable snow conditions: Lake Placid, Lillehammer, Oslo, and Sapporo. This underscores both the severity of the challenge and the potential resilience of certain locations like Sapporo that may become increasingly valuable winter sports destinations.
A Global Outlook: Protecting Ski Resorts Through Innovation
To safeguard the future of the ski tourism industry, stakeholders must come together to address the challenges posed by climate change. Global cooperation will be key to ensuring that ski resorts can adapt to the realities of warmer winters. Governments, environmental organizations, and tourism industries must work together to fund and support climate adaptation projects, from sustainable snowmaking to the protection of snow-covered regions.
In the future, ski resorts might need to embrace technology, adapt to changing weather patterns, and diversify their offerings to survive. In countries like Japan, embracing renewable energy, reducing water use, and focusing on environmentally friendly infrastructure can help the industry stay resilient even as global temperatures continue to rise.
The Future of Ski Tourism in Japan and Beyond
The situation in Japan’s ski industry reflects a broader global challenge. While ski resorts continue to struggle with the impacts of global warming, adaptation strategies are emerging. Technological innovation, sustainable tourism practices, and redefined visitor experiences will be the keys to ensuring the longevity of the ski tourism industry. The trend in Japan also serves as a wake-up call for the global tourism community to think about long-term sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.
In the end, Japan’s ski resorts and the international industry will have to embrace new models of tourism that balance preservation of snow-covered landscapes with sustainable practices. The next decade may bring more winter tourism diversification and eco-conscious adventures that redefine the future of skiing and snow tourism worldwide.
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