Sierra snowpack is expected to shrink more than 30% by 2070-2099 even in optimistic scenarios. This has profound implications for California’s ski industry. Ski resorts require a minimum snow depth to begin the ski season, with a typical ski season in California historically (1961-1990) lasting from late November to late June (around 200 days). Under all modeled climate scenarios, ski seasons shorten considerably, by 71 to 132 days both with the onset of the ski season is delayed and season ending sooner. Resorts at the lowest elevations, such as Mt. Baldy, Mt. Shasta, Homewood and Mountain High, are most vulnerable.

Kahrl and Roland-Holst (2008). California Climate Risk and Response. University of California, Berkeley – Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.