Abstract ID: 3.14040 | Accepted as Poster | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

As the ski industry continues to invest in snowmaking technology in response to warming climatic conditions, concerns regarding the sustainability of snowmaking are amplifying, which can directly influence tourists’ decisions on whether or where to ski. The media and climate advocates have criticized the high levels of water and energy consumption required to produce snow, including associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by snowmaking equipment. Through an online survey of skiers across Canada (n=209), this study examines perceptions of snowmaking as an environmentally sustainable climate adaptation strategy. The results show the majority of skiers believe snowmaking requires significant water and energy to produce (82% and 80%, respectively), which negatively impacts water resources (36%) and results in significant GHG emissions (28%). Importantly, over one-third of skiers are undecided as to whether or not snowmaking negatively impacts water resources (38%), results in GHG emissions (43%), contributes to climate change (35%), and negatively impacts human health (59%). Emerging research suggests snowmaking can be compatible with climate action plans, underscoring an important opportunity for mountain destinations engaged in sustainable development to better communicate their adaptation-mitigation efforts.