Which forecasts belong in a ski resort's investment plan?
Race-day forecasts inform immediate choices; climate projections guide longer investments. WMO and FIS connect those tasks, citing 25 weather-related ski cancellations in 2025–26.
What happened
A lift-opening decision and a major resort investment need different kinds of weather information. A report published on November 3 by the World Meteorological Organization and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation brings those planning horizons together for ski operators.
The guidance covers observed conditions, projections and available services. WMO also relays an internal FIS calculation that weather forced the cancellation of 25 World Cup ski races during 2025–26. That figure is attributed to the federation, rather than presented as an independently audited result.
Our analysis
Better forecasts can improve short-term choices, while climate projections can test whether expensive assets remain useful over time. Treating these as separate but connected decisions is more informative than searching for one reliable snow forecast. The guidance does not guarantee a particular resort's viability or predict this season's results.
What to watch
- How will operators translate the available information into investment thresholds and contingency plans?
Sources and method
Report on weather and climate services for ski resorts supports winter sports ↗
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