Limited natural snowfall makes for a slow start to ski season at Park City Mountain and other resorts in Utah and across the U.S. Experts believe that while climate change will likely create winners and losers in the ski industry, snow sports are not going extinct any time soon. Despite warm early season temperatures, ski resorts in Utah and elsewhere are investing in technology to combat the effects of climate change. Snowmaking is crucial, especially early in the season, and newer machines are more energy- and water-efficient, allowing resorts to make more artificial snow. Climate change is drastically impacting the world around us, including the way people travel and the destinations themselves. “Green Travel” is a seven-part series delving into how climate change is transforming the landscape of travel. WASATCH RANGE, Utah ― Solitude Mountain Resort was just getting open with a handful of trails groomed and lifts spinning in early December. Nearby, on the back side of the Wasatch Range, Park City Mountain also had a limited amount of skiable terrain, but was working to get more open. Utahns insisted that the conditions were relatively awful, but anyone used to skiing or riding on the East Coast would feel like it was the middle of their season. Daytime highs above freezing at the mountain bases weren’t helping the season get off the ground though, and the warm, sunny weather hinted at the long-term struggles ski resorts face as the climate changes and winters continue to heat up in many places. But skiers and snowboarders shouldn’t trade in their lift tickets for beach passes just yet. Hawaii’s beaches are disappearing: The uncertain future of Oahu’s iconic Waikiki The ski industry is making investments on a global scale to ensure their operations become more sustainable and to keep people on […]