Climate change is causing a number on ski hills around the world, with some shutting down for lack of predictable seasonal snow. But what people don’t know is that snow machines, using a chemical called Snowmax, or Snomax, may not be as innocuous as you think. One would imagine that snow machines just freeze water and push it out as snow, but it’s not the case with technical snow. One study even linked artificial snow, Snowmax, to increased numbers of a deadly nerve disease in this French ski village.

This shift to fake snow has raised a reasonable public question: is artificial snow safe for people who ski on it, work with it, or live nearby?

The short answer from current science is: there is no strong evidence that artificial snow is dangerous to the general public, but there are documented environmental and occupational concerns that continue to be studied.

What artificial snow is made from

Artificial snow is produced by spraying pressurized water and air into cold conditions so that droplets freeze before reaching the ground. In most cases, the snow is simply frozen water. In some regions and time periods, ski operators have used snowmaking additives, most notably Snomax, which contains ice-nucleating proteins derived from the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. These proteins allow water to freeze at slightly warmer temperatures.

The bacterium used in Snomax is non-viable (it is killed first) and it cannot grow at human body temperature. Regulatory reviews in Europe and North America have not found evidence that it causes infectious disease in humans. But not a lot of studies have been done.

Studies indexed in PubMed have examined potential health effects of artificial snow exposure. These include occupational studies of snowmaking workers and environmental monitoring of snow, air, and water. No evidence of acute illness in skiers or nearby residents linked to artificial snow.

Occupational exposure to bacterial endotoxins has been measured among snowmaking workers, particularly when handling additives in powdered form. Short-term studies, including a U.S. NIOSH health hazard evaluation, did not find clear respiratory disease in exposed workers, though sample sizes were limited.

Because endotoxins are known to cause airway irritation in some contexts, researchers consider snowmaking staff — not the recreational skiers — the group most relevant for ongoing monitoring.

Recent European studies have examined artificial snow for antibiotics, bacteria, and antibiotic-resistance genes. These studies found that contaminants in artificial snow largely reflect upstream water pollution, especially from municipal wastewater treatment plants and medical facilities — not from the snowmaking process itself.

In some cases, artificial snowmaking reduced bacterial concentrations compared with intake water. Researchers also found that water storage reservoirs may help lower the transfer of pollutants into technical snow.

Despite limited evidence of direct harm, some countries and regions have restricted or banned snowmaking additives under the precautionary principle. These decisions reflect uncertainty, public concern, and environmental protection priorities rather than confirmed health hazards.

Based on current evidence artificial snow is considered safe for the general public.  But as artificial snow use expands with climate change, scientists continue to study long-term environmental and health effects.

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When you think of Japan, you probably picture cherry blossoms or neon-lit sushi bars. But in winter the country reveals a different kind of magic: snow-covered mountains, steaming outdoor onsen baths that are piped in from natural hotsprings, and one of the most unique ski cultures on Earth. From Hokkaido’s deep powder to Nagano’s Olympic valleys, Japan offers a winter experience that blends sustainability, tradition, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Start in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island and snow capital. The Niseko region is internationally famous for its reliable powder and long winter season. The combination of cold Siberian winds and Japan’s maritime climate creates light, dry snow that falls almost daily between December and March.

The four main resorts—Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri—are connected by lifts and shared passes, making it easy to explore all the mountain areas without a car. The nearest airport is New Chitose near Sapporo, and the journey from Tokyo by train and regional rail takes about five hours. In recent years Niseko has also begun introducing renewable-powered facilities and electric buses to reduce carbon emissions. We like that!

For travelers arriving from Tokyo, Nagano Prefecture on Honshu island is the most convenient option. The Hakuba Valley, which hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics, includes ten interconnected resorts that receive generous snowfall from mid-December to March.

Hakuba Happo-One and neighboring Iwatake are especially popular for their mix of wide beginner runs and challenging alpine terrain. The Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train connects Tokyo to Nagano in under two hours, followed by an hour’s scenic bus ride to Hakuba. Several hotels and lodges here now run on renewable electricity and promote zero-waste practices in partnership with the village’s sustainability initiative.

Nearby, Nozawa Onsen is perhaps Japan’s most atmospheric ski destination. The mountain offers more than thirty-six runs, and the village itself—famous for its natural hot springs—has been welcoming skiers for decades. Thirteen public baths bubble with geothermal water, free for anyone to use. Streets are narrow and walkable, and the entire community is heated partly by geothermal systems that prevent snow from icing the roads. The easiest route from Tokyo is by Shinkansen to Iiyama, followed by a short local bus ride.

Farther north in Niigata Prefecture, Myoko Kogen offers a quieter, more traditional atmosphere. The area includes several classic resorts such as Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira, and Suginohara, known for tree skiing and soft snow that lingers into spring. Myoko’s municipal tourism office has committed to the national “Zero Carbon Tourism” framework, encouraging resorts and lodges to convert to renewable power and hybrid transport.

When to ski in Japan?

Japan’s ski season typically runs from mid-December to late March, although Hokkaido’s colder climate often allows skiing into April. The best conditions tend to occur in February, when snow depth peaks and crowds thin after the holidays. Climate data from Japan’s Meteorological Agency show that average winter temperatures have risen by about 1.5 degrees Celsius since the 1970s, shortening the season at lower-altitude resorts. In response, several ski areas are investing in energy-efficient snowmaking systems powered by renewable energy and reforesting slopes to stabilize the snowpack.

What sets Japan apart from other ski destinations is how seamlessly nature and culture intertwine. After a day on the mountain, most visitors trade ski boots for slippers and head to an onsen—an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow and cedar trees. In Hakuba, bathhouses draw water from volcanic sources deep beneath the Alps. In Hokkaido, ryokans such as those near Niseko or Jozankei combine minimalist architecture with local cuisine and geothermal heating. Soaking in mineral water after skiing under falling snow is not just a ritual of comfort; it’s an immersion in the country’s centuries-old respect for natural energy.

Related: Skiing in Lebanon, where, when, how

Traveling sustainably in Japan is straightforward. The Shinkansen network, powered mainly by electricity from renewable and low-carbon sources, connects all major ski areas. Rail passes like the JR East or JR Hokkaido Pass make it affordable to combine multiple resorts in one trip without relying on rental cars or domestic flights.

Local bus systems in Hakuba, Myoko, and Niseko are expanding electric and hybrid fleets. Choosing rail over air travel can reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 80 percent for domestic journeys. We’ve rented cars in Japan and while it was find for a couple of days, most of the highways are boring, expensive and give little extra value along the way. The cars are small so you won’t be able to fit much if any gear, and you need to navigate driving on the wrong side of the road if you are from the United States.

Bringing gear or renting it?

Ski and snowboard rental shops in major resorts like Niseko, Hakuba, Furano, and Nozawa Onsen are exceptionally well equipped. Many rent out high-end gear from brands like Rossignol, Atomic, Burton, and Salomon — often less than two seasons old. Shops like Rhythm Japan (Niseko, Hakuba) or Spicy Rentals (Nozawa, Myoko) offer performance packages that rival what you’d find in the Alps or Rockies. The gear is also calibrated to the snow and getting around on public transport in Japan will be cumbersome with gear brought from home.

Skiing in Japan isn’t just about chasing powder and getting around fast —it’s about slowing down and seeing how a country deeply attuned to the seasons adapts to a warming world. From the geothermal heat that warms its baths to the electric trains that glide through frozen valleys, Japan shows how winter tourism can evolve without losing its soul. The snow still falls, the onsen still steam, and in every village the quiet rhythm of winter endures. And maybe you’ll get to see a snow monkey along the way.

Forget the cherry blossoms in Japan. Take the train north, breathe in the cold air, and ski your troubles away. A little saki can warm you up at the end of the day.

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Planning your winter holidays and want something a little more exotic for the family? Lebanon offers a rare alpine escape in the Middle East—high-altitude slopes within close reach of the coast, cedar forests and mountain villages. You can ski by day and swim by night. Resorts such as Mzaar Ski Resort Faraya, Cedars (Bsharri) Ski Resort, Zaarour Club, Laqlouq, Faqra and the nearby Cedars of God (Bsharri) forest region deliver a mix of skiing and nature. But the future of winter tourism here is being challenged by changing seasons and climate change.

Where to Ski in Lebanon:

Mzaar Ski Resort Faraya: Located in the Keserwan-Jbeil mountains and just over an hour from Beirut, Mzaar is Lebanon’s largest ski resort and a go-to for all ski levels. It offers dramatic views across the Bekaa Valley. For travelers, this is the most accessible destination and contains a wide range of slopes, accommodations and après-ski options.

Cedars (Bsharri) Ski Resort: In the Bsharri region, the Cedars resort lies near the famed “Cedars of God” grove and operates at higher altitude than many Lebanese resorts. Because of the elevation, it tends to offer better snow cover and is a strong choice for those seeking reliability and dramatic alpine scenery.

Zaarour Club: Zaarour is situated on Mount Sannine in the Matn district, about 35 km from Beirut. With north-facing slopes, activities beyond skiing, and a quiet setting, it’s ideal for families or visitors who want a gentler ski trip within close reach of the city.

Laqlouq lies at a lower base altitude (around 1,650-1,800 m) and while it offers charm and authenticity, its lower elevation means more sensitivity to warm weather and shrinking snow cover. If you visit, plan for a flexible schedule and keep an eye on snow conditions.

Faqra combines winter sports with historic Roman ruins and natural beauty. Though not always as large as Mzaar or the Cedars, it offers a distinctive ski-holiday option in Lebanon’s mountain belt.

Cedars of God (Bsharri) Region: While not strictly a ski resort itself, the Cedars of God forest near Bsharri forms a spectacular backdrop to the ski resort experience. The high-altitude forest of Lebanese cedar trees is emblematic of Lebanon’s mountain ecosystem. It adds ecological and cultural value to a ski visit in the region.

Why the Ski Seasons Are A-Changin’

Lebanon’s ski industry is under pressure from climate change. According to Reuters, snow cover is expected to shrink by up to 40 percent by 2040. A recent review notes that ski resorts in Lebanon face the challenge of insufficient snow, increasingly shorter seasons and rising expenses. For example, at Mzaar only about 70 percent of slopes were able to open in one season due to insufficient snowfall. Lower snowfall, delayed season openings, and rising temperatures all contribute to uncertainty for visitors and operators alike.

What this means for you as a skier: choose resorts with higher elevation (like the Cedars), monitor local snow and weather reports ahead of your trip, and set realistic expectations—the skiing season may begin later, end sooner, and conditions may not be the same every year.

Lebanese resorts and communities have begun to adapt. And despite the country lacking basic resources such as continuous power or a safe water supply, some of the measures include upgrading snow-making infrastructure, improving the efficiency of ski lifts, and diversifying into four-season mountain tourism.

Ski resorts in Lebanon are coping by turning the region into a full-season tourist destination, like Blue Mountain in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, which turns its ski lifts into bike lifts for downhill bike riding on extreme trails. The Canadian ski town also offers forest treks and climbing sports, along with man-made pools and family packages for the resorts that normally don’t generate income in the summer.

So if the snow is melted for your ski holiday in Lebanon, this is what you can do: enjoy hiking, mountain biking, wellness retreats—to compensate for shorter ski seasons. Participate in forest conservation and the protection of mountain ecosystems (such as the Cedars of God) to maintain snow-catch and water-storage functions.

Planning Your Ski Trip to Lebanon

Here are some tips to maximize your ski holiday in Lebanon:
• Go early or late in the season: mid-January to early March tends to offer the best conditions, though keep an eye on real-time snowfall. Book a flexible ticket for flights and hotel rooms if possible.
• Choose high-altitude resorts: resorts like the Cedars have more reliable snow because of elevation.
• Flexibility helps: check snow reports, know that slope availability may vary, and look for resorts that offer other activities if snow is thin.
• Book accommodations near the slopes: resorts like Mzaar and Zaarour are close to the coast and Beirut, making logistics easier.
• Respect the environment: Lebanon’s mountains are ecologically fragile—choose resorts and services that demonstrate sustainable practices.

If you’re looking for a ski escape that blends altitude, Mediterranean views and unique mountain culture, Lebanon is still an exciting choice and one you can talk about when you return home. Resorts like Mzaar Ski Resort Faraya, Cedars (Bsharri) Ski Resort, Zaarour Club, Laqlouq and Faqra offer a range of experiences from lively slopes to tranquil escapes. However, the window for consistent snow is narrowing, and the effects of climate change are real. Planning ahead, choosing your resort wisely and embracing the full mountain experience (not just snow) will give you your best chance of a memorable trip. Lebanon’s mountains aren’t just skiing locations—they’re landscapes in transition, and your visit can both enjoy and support their evolving future.

According to Planet Ski, “There are currently 68 countries in the world that offer equipped outdoor ski areas covered with snow. Even if snowfields are much more numerous there are about 2,000 ski resorts worldwide. Besides the major ski destinations in terms of skier visits, there are a number of other, smaller destinations, where skiing has been an industry for a long time, or is currently developing.”

The most obvious emerging destinations are Eastern Europe and China, according to the expert ski site. There are a number of other small players spread out across the globe and they are in: Cyprus, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Lesotho, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey and several more. Have a ski experience to share in a less-travelled area? Send us a report ski@greenprophet.com.

For more background on Lebanon’s ski industry and climate change, read
Put Away Your Snowboard: Lebanon’s Slopes Are Melting, which looks at how higher temperatures have already cut the skiing season in half.

If you’re comparing Lebanon with other regional options, see 5 Top Ski Holidays in the Middle East,
which includes Mzaar in Lebanon alongside other regional ski spots.

For a broader look at eco-conscious winter travel and skiiing, link to our past coverage on Where to go for a sustainable ski holiday?, which weighs up greener ski choices and resort practices.

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Skiing is an extremely popular middle-class winter sport that sees thousands of enthusiasts jet around the globe to slide down the slopes, only to return home a few days later after pursuing an environmentally unfriendly pastime.

Resort skiing is an energy consuming operation and across the European Alps ski resort owners are striving to meet the ever increasing energy demands for grooming slopes, running lifts and keeping their resorts warm.

This increasing movement towards reducing the carbon footprint, ski destinations have had to adapt. Resorts are tightening guidelines to ensure properties are using sustainable methods to provide a greener alpine experience. 

So the next time you are planning to go for an eco-friendly and green ski holiday, consider visiting any of the below mentioned sustainable ski destinations and booking with reputed providers like Alpine Elements. 

Tignes

Tignes was the first ski resort which was awarded the Green Globe Label, way back in 1995, which is an international certificate program that rewards those organisation’s in the tourist industry that contribute positively to people and the planet.

Apart from dismantling and removing over 100 lift towers from the ski area, Tignes has introduced a number of waste management initiatives like complementary pocket ashtrays and eco-responsive use of products where possible.

Every year fresh grass is transplanted to carefully blend the ski runs into the landscape in order to provide the snowpack with a more stable base.

Where to stay in Tignes: Skiers looking for a great location and a cosy mountain retreat should look no further than Chalet Marilyn a charming place to stay for eight persons.The accommodation lies just two minutes from the Chaudanne and Pacquis chair lifts, means you can ski back to within 100 m of the chalet.

Avoriaz 

The brainchild of former Olympic champion skier Jean Vuarnet,this purpose built ski resort of Avoriaz was established in the 1960s and its striking appearance sets it apart from all other ski destinations in the Portes des Soleil ski area.

Avoriaz is a totally ski-out resort which means you don’t have to lug your heavy ski equipment to the slopes and moreover, as far the environment is concerned, the resort is completely car free.

Apart from the Green Globe certificate Avoriaz has been awarded an ISO 14001 Environmental Management award for being the most innovative resort for sustainability.Since 2016, the ski resorts of Avoriaz have been powered 100% by solar power and hydro wind.

Where to stay in Avoriaz; Enjoying a wonderful location and Chalet Marie lies right on the piste near the centre of Avoriaz. This incidentally is the only ski-in and ski-out chalet in the Portes des Soleil ski area and a firm favorite among snowboarders and skiers.

La Plagne

La Plagne is another very popular ski destination that has contributed much to sustainable tourism by using 100% renewable electricity to power its lift system which is shared with Les Arcs and is committed to a more sustainable and greener future.

Since energy is the essential element of any resort, La Plagne Centre has installed a biomass heating plant,which has been running since 2009, and has been supplying 90% of the energy the resort needs.

As far as transport is concerned, the tourism office has opted for only electric vehicles to prevent emission of greenhouse gases when skiers travel around. Connected with a dynamic rail network,there is no need to take a car to access the resort.

Where to stay in La Plagne; Chalet Charmant lies bang in the centre of Plagne village near some of the best ski slopes in the region at minimal walking distance.The chalet sleeps up to 12 adults and is perfect for a self-catered chalet experience.

Meribel

Meribel, like all other resorts in the Three Valley Skiing area, sources the energy it needs to power the snow cannons and lifts from renewable sources in the form of hydro power generated by the hydroelectric dams located throughout the region.

Additionally, the ski area in Morzine also utilizes solar energy for all radio communication that is necessary to maintain the slopes as well as for powering the swimming pool and the ice rink.

The green plan Meribel encourages more and more people to walk that provides the perfect solution to reduce traffic in not only Meribel,but in the surrounding villages as well. The free bus service has helped reduce local emissions by eliminating the need for private cars.

Where to stay in Meribel: Chalet Jolie in Meribel, offers a large self-appointed staying option with 10 ensuite bedrooms for twenty guests.The chalet has a hot tub, sauna and skiers can ski back to within 300 m of the chalet. Not only that, the free bus service stops just outside the chalet, making it very easy to access the place from the Meribel city centre and the Chaudanne chair lift. Your package will include breakfast on each day, afternoon tea and cakes and a three course dinner with complimentary wine for six nights 

Morzine 

The French ski resort of Morzine was the ninth winner of the Flocon Vert,or “Green Snowflake” sustainability label at a ceremony in September 2020.The award is given by the Mountain Riders, a European organization,to resorts that endorse sustainable development measures.

This includes various schemes aimed at introducing environment-friendly public transport, opening more pedestrian areas, traffic reduction and incorporating waste reduction techniques.

Moreover,the Montagne Verte organization is based in Morzine and has succeeded in encouraging both tourists as well as locals to act sustainably by cutting their carbon footprints by consuming local food and products.

Where to stay in Morzine: For a truly luxurious travel experience,the Chalet Well in Morzine is a premium property which can sleep 14 persons, looking for a high standard of service. Apart from oozing alpine charm from every corner,the chalet sits high overlooking Morzine, providing sweeping views of the valley below,not to forget a warm hot-tub awaiting you at the end of a hard day on the slopes.

The post Where to go for a sustainable ski holiday? appeared first on Green Prophet.

Lebanon’s citizens were not dealt an easy life. Their cultural institutions are crumbling, their portion of the Mediterranean is an apocalyptic zone, and every so often their country comes under a barrage of artillery fire because of deadly political disputes. In such an environment, mother nature has historically come last – a big mistake we now know.

While people were looking elsewhere for its answers to the universe, Earth started heating up, glaciers began to wilt, and a cascade of ecological consequences came tumbling down. In Lebanon, that has culminated in the potential loss not only of its national symbol, the ancient Cedar tree, but one of the country’s most celebrated recreational gems: its ski slopes. (Update 2025 – Where to go skiing in Lebanon)

Lebanon has six ski resorts, the most popular of which may be Mzaar (aka Mzaar) which is said to have “world class” facilities for tourists, even platform lifts found in fancy restaurants. Previously avid snowboarders and skiers could sink their teeth into pristine powder for up to three months at a stretch. But rising temperatures have changed that, according to Reuters.

Mzaar’s manager Christian Rizk refuses to acknowledge that climate change will force a shutdown, insisting instead that the resort has managed to adapt to change. He is willing to acquiesce, however, that times have been rough.

“Last season was catastrophic,” he told Reuters on a sunny late autumn morning near the barren slopes of Jebel Sannin, Lebanon’s second highest mountain at 2,695 meters. “This year we are installing new ski-lifts higher up, above 2,000 meters.”

As Reuters points out, many species climb to higher altitudes in order to reach cooler temperatures, including the Cedar tree. With temperatures climbing, the tree will have no place to go.

“I couldn’t give you a specific date when we might see the last cedar on our mountains, but eventually that might happen,” Vahakn Kabakian, an Environment Ministry official preparing Lebanon’s next climate change report to the United Nations, explained to Reuters.

By 2040, Lebanon could lose 40 percent of its snow, which will not only destroy snow-related tourism, but will also have a devastating impact on groundwater aquifers usually replenished with snow melt. As early as 2015, Lebanon may not be able to keep pace with demand, though the capital is already hydrologically bankrupt.

“In Beirut, summer demand for water already exceeds what the network supplies — partly because around 40 percent is lost to leaks — so many people pump from wells. Over-extraction from coastal aquifers has led to seawater intrusion and salinity,” according to Reuters.

So, if you live in Lebanon (or anywhere else in the hot and dry Middle East), now is a good time to fix those leaky pipes and install a good water catchment system on your roof. You’re going to need it.

The post Put Away Your Snowboard. Lebanon’s Slopes Are Melting appeared first on Green Prophet.