This U.S. Ski Resort Was Just Ranked the Most Climate-resilient in the World, According to a New Study

"The Vail Ski Resort in Colorado was ranked the most resilient mountain in the world, according to research from global real estate service company Savills. That's thanks to its five-month-long season, high elevation, and consistent snow. In fact, the mountain is the largest ski resort in Colorado with more than 5,300 skiable acres and with a base altitude of 8,120 feet, it receives more than 350 inches of snowfall on average each year, according to the resort."

"Beyond Vail, there were two ski areas in the Alps- Zermatt in Switzerland and Val d'Isère in France-that took the second and third spots on the list. That was followed by fellow Colorado ski area Aspen, which came in at No. 4. Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, which was No. 1 last season, moved to the fifth spot this year, mainly due to decreased snowfall following last season's record-breaking snow year."

Cold, snowy winters are becoming less reliable as climate change erodes predictable cold and snowfall. Some ski areas show greater natural resilience due to altitude, season length and snow retention. Vail features a five-month season, a base altitude of 8,120 feet, over 5,300 skiable acres and averages more than 350 inches of snowfall, contributing to strong resilience. Other high-elevation resorts such as Zermatt, Val d'Isère and Aspen also rank highly. Lower-altitude resorts face uncertain long-term resilience, with some locations experiencing decreased snowfall and the potential for shorter seasons.

Read at Travel + Leisure