Over the past decade, California has undergone a dramatic shift in its climate, reshaping the winter and mountains that everyone loved. From shorter seasons to little to no snowfall, the sport that relies on cold conditions is being tested more and more each year.

While snowfall has always been unpredictable, many resorts, such as Mammoth Mountain, have Stated planning for the season is harder than ever, and unpredictable weather shifts do not give an accurate prediction of when to open or close. Warm temperatures in the middle of winter can melt weeks worth of snow in just a few days, forcing sudden changes or closure. With Big Bear
mountain opening over this weekend, many are complaining at the lack of snow, which was fully man-made. Despite the rough challenges, California resorts are doing their best to take action. The use of snowmaking machines are becoming more and more popular as a method of fighting back these warm winters, but even those require large amounts of water and a decent amount of time in cold temperatures. Places like Palisades Tahoe Ski Team and others across the

Sierra are investing in research for climate change education, water efficient snowmaking systems, and reducing waste in the mountains. While this will not magically fix climate change, it is a step in the right direction to adapting the industry, and helping to not waste resources while still getting snow.

So what is the future of Snowboarding and Skiing? For riders around the world it is much more than just less fresh snow days. Shorter, inconsistent seasons create difficulty for not just avid people who enjoy the sport, but anyone looking to get into the sport as well. It is significantly harder to learn on icy or machine made snow, and not to mention you are basically falling on little to no snow, which is dangerous and demotivating for many. But it’s not just the riders, Mountain towns also feel the shift. Snowboarding and Skiing brings tourism, jobs, and business to local shops. With nobody coming to visit, financial stability suffers for many and there is no way to tell how the season will play out. Anyone coming from out state has to worry if it is the right time to travel, and sometimes with no way to cancel hotel reservations or lessons, they are forced to go at a time with little to no snowfall.

But these rough winters don’t mean it’s time to give up. Athletes, engineers, and coaches are experimenting with new ways to keep the sport from dying and keep people excited. For competitions the use of indoor training centers, and air bags are becoming more common. Allowing riders to practice all season long and prepare for competitions on the mountains.

Gear also can play a role in this, Snowboarding and ski brands are using new materials to provide all around performance whether its powder or ice. California mountains are now offering non-snow related activities such as mountain biking and hiking to keep tourists coming, and jobs paid. Everybody is playing a role in this and slow seasons are just another boundary being overcome.