With spring just around the corner and the ski season slowly drawing to a close, we gathered a group of passionate snow lovers in Davos to watch “The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow” – a Patagonia film that explores the connection between adventure, nature and community, followed by a discussion about snow, climate and (local) sustainability actions.
Is the pursuit of snow truly meaningless and what role can one play in protecting our playgrounds?
A Night of Reflection in Davos
For one week each year, the village of Davos in the Swiss Grisons becomes the focal point of global attention during the World Economic Forum. Beyond that, it is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts and a site where climate realities are increasingly evident. Through its Climate Hub and Greenshare projects, Green Up brings nature and climate to the forefront, ensuring that sustainability remains part of the conversation—not just during WEF week, but all year round.
The Harsh Reality of Snow Scarcity
Winter sports have become highly vulnerable to snow scarcity, which is increasing due to climate change. According to the latest information sheet on winter climate scenarios for Switzerland until 2050, winter temperatures have risen by approximately 2.4°C since 1864, as a result of human-driven climate change. By 2050, another 1°C rise is expected, with significant variations depending on climate action and natural fluctuations.
This warming trend means more precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow, reducing the number of fresh snowfall days and thinning the snowpack. The statistics paint a stark picture:
- Snow cover has declined by 40% at altitudes of 1000–1500 meters, 33% at 2000 meters, and 17% at 2500 meters since 1961.
- 54% of ski slopes in Switzerland were technically (artificially) snow-covered in 2023.
- While snowmaking is the current stopgap solution, it will become increasingly energy-and water-intensive, given the predicted rise in temperatures.
In a nutshell, skiing as we’ve done until now is not sustainable in the long term. So what can we do ?
Beyond the Slopes: Rethinking Our Approach to Winter Sports
Patagonia’s “The Meaningless Pursuit of Snow” follows five backcountry skiers across Japan, Europe and the US. United by their love of the mountains, they find joy in the struggle, a deep connection to nature, and a sense of belonging through their shared experiences.
Could backcountry skiing be part of a more sustainable future for winter sports? Our audience in Davos seemed to think so. While backcountry skiing requires fewer artificial resources than downhill skiing, it alone is not the solution. It must be combined with broader sustainability efforts at both individual and resort levels.
Some simple yet impactful actions include:
- travelling by public transport rather than with individual vehicles,
- repairing and re-using equipment instead of buying new gear each season.
- supporting ski resorts that embrace sustainable energy solutions and diversify their activities to adapt to climate change.
“I found that people who love the same thing really make a difference” said Vicki Fleckenstein Woodworth in the movie. Encouragingly, Swiss ski resorts are already expanding their winter offerings beyond traditional skiing—promoting winter hiking, backcountry skiing, and other lower-impact activities. Meanwhile, initiatives like Snowstainability, founded in 2022 by Swiss-Ski and energy company BKW, are actively working to make winter sports more sustainable through innovations in energy and infrastructure.
Local Actions for a Global Challenge
The discussion in Davos didn’t just focus on the big picture—it also sparked tangible ideas for local action. Some of the suggestions included:
- Strengthening support for public transportation to and within the region.
- Encouraging and educating young people on responsible backcountry skiing.
- Developing more community-driven sustainability initiatives, such as repair cafés and urban gardening projects.
An Inspiring Evening of Connection and Commitment
The evening in Davos was more than just a film screening; it was a celebration of community, shared experiences, and a collective commitment to protecting the places we love. Over drinks and focaccia rolls, snow lovers exchanged stories, ideas, and motivation to take action.
As Melissa Gil beautifully put it: “There is something magical about the white blanket.” Let’s ensure that magic endures for future generations.
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