Skiers and snowboarders need snow. Right now, we’ve got it.

But a worldwide warming trend is underway -- a kind we’ve never seen before -- that could put a serious dent in our winter adventures.

In fact, the biggest impacts are likely to be felt where it matters most for winter sports: at higher elevations, and northern latitudes. Predictions are that global warming will bring less snowfall, and shorter ski and snowboard seasons. Resorts can expect more expensive snowmaking if global warming continues unchecked.

Most scientists agree pollution is to blame for global warming. They say the biggest culprit is carbon dioxide, which comes from fossil fuels like coal and oil. If these emissions aren’t cut soon, we can expect major headaches.

Global Warming Means Changes on the Slopes

• Fewer Ski Days: The length of the ski season could be shortened. That means later opening days and earlier closings.
• Less Snow: Rising temperatures mean potentially wetter seasons and decreased snow pack. Less snow means fewer functioning trails for skiers and snowboarders.
• Disappearing Mountains: A recent United Nations study showed that global warming could eventually limit skiing to mountains with base elevations above 5,000 feet. This would present difficulties for many resorts in the U.S. Lower elevation resorts are also where many beginners learn to ski or snowboard, and where families go for local snow outings.
• Empty Pockets: Ski areas are an important part of the economy in many states. For ski states, fewer skiers mean higher unemployment and less tax revenue for education, health care and other services. In New Hampshire, the ski industry provides 10 percent of all jobs in the winter months.
• More Snow Guns: Resorts already use snowmaking to enhance the early season experience and ensure reliable conditions. Warmer nights make this already costly task -- which can account for 20 percent of a resort’s overall budget -- more expensive and difficult.
• Scratched Races: Fans and racers were crestfallen when the 1993 and 1995 World Championships were postponed. Unreliable snow conditions can delay events or necessitate moving them to higher elevations.

The good news is, we don’t have to suffer these problems. Global warming is a problem we can fix.