After promising early dumps of snow in some areas of Europe this autumn, the pattern of recent years resumed, and rain and sleet took over.
None of which is good news for the Alps, the most popular ski destination in the world, which has a skiing industry worth $30bn (£23.8bn) a year.
The most recent scientific report has added to fears that the industry faces an existential threat.
Published in the journal Nature Climate Change this year, the study warned that if the world heated up by 2C above pre-industrial temperatures, 53% of the 28 European resorts examined would be at very high risk for scarce snow supply. At 4C of heating, 98% of the resorts would be at very high risk of scarce snow cover.
Another study published in Nature Climate Change revealed an "unprecedented" decline in snow cover in the Alps over the past 600 years, with the duration of the cover now 36 days shorter.
Some respond by holding on to the idea that skiing can survive if global temperatures are kept to the limits set by the Paris agreement, and if the industry adapts. But rumblings of discontent at the lack of action to ensure the survival of the sport by the International Ski Federation (FIS) broke out this year.
The FIS was previously at the centre of a climate row when in 2019 its then president Gian Franco Kasper revealed himself as a climate denier in an interview, arguing he would rather mingle with dictators than have to deal with environmentalists. He subsequently left and was replaced by Johan Eliasch. But that has not taken the heat off the federation.
Esta historia es de la edición December 26, 2023 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 26, 2023 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Lammers blow against United as Twente hit back to share spoils
When Manchester United click as they did here for large swathes, their attack features organised chaos and their defence is compact, as shown by their four clean sheets this season.
Cricket: Jacks stakes his claim in crowded top order
It was a breakthrough century for Harry Brook at Chester-le-Street, that sublime unbeaten 110 his first in oneday international cricket and a first against Australia in any format. But the contribution from Will Jacks was not insignificant either, especially given the potential squeeze when some of England's big guns return.
Top football clubs breaking betting advert rules meant to protect minors
Half of Premier League football clubs have advertised gambling on web pages aimed at, or featuring, people under the age of 18, prompting concern about a voluntary code of conduct drawn up with the help of the betting industry.
Economic inactivity: Why cutting NHS waiting lists is key to boosting growth
Wes Streeting was in the right place when he announced plans to prioritise cutting NHS waiting lists in areas with the highest numbers of people out of work due to ill health. Liverpool, where the health secretary was speaking at Labour's annual party conference yesterday, is top of the list.
UK growth forecast upgraded as global outlook improves
The global economy is \"turning a corner\", according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which yesterday upgraded the UK's growth forecast for this year to be faster than that of Japan, Italy and Germany.
World's first AI art museum to look at 'creative potential of machines'
A prominent AI artist has announced he will open the world's first artificial intelligence art museum in Los Angeles, which will highlight the \"intersection of human imagination and the creative potential of machines\".
Officials brief Trump on suspected Iranian plot to kill him
US intelligence officials have briefed Donald Trump about a suspected Iranian plot to kill him, his campaign has said.
EU trust fund for Africa 'has not addressed risks of abuse'
A €5bn EU fund aiming to stem the mass movement of people from Africa to Europe lacks focus and fails to address the risk of human rights abusers who could benefit, the bloc's spending watchdog has found.
Letby case: father tells of 'headless chickens' at hospital unit
The father of two triplet babies murdered by Lucy Letby has described frantic scenes as the children collapsed, with medical staff in a neonatal unit appearing to search online for tutorials to guide them through \"everyday\" medical procedures.
Music review: Monster hits perfectly reshaped by new female vocalist
Linkin Park laid the foundations for modern metal with their 2000 debut Hybrid Theory. They weren't the first band to bring together rock, hip-hop, electronic music and a whole lot of angst - but they were the most successful.