Ski resort

High concentrations of ski resorts are located in the Alps, Scandinavia, western and eastern North America, and Japan.

The culture originated in the Alps, where it is most popular and where skiers often stop at bars on their last run of the day while still wearing all their ski gear.

[7] As rising temperatures, receding glaciers and declining snowfall affect the environment, resort development and operations also have an environmental impact on land, lakes, streams, and wildlife.

[8] Amenities and infrastructure such as concrete buildings, ski lifts, access roads, parking lots, and railways have contributed to the urbanization of mountainous zones.

[9] In order to sustain good quality snow coverage, snowmaking requires large amounts of water and sometimes the creation of artificial lakes.

Many resorts are taking steps to reduce their energy and water consumption and waste production, increase recycling, and restore habitats.

Ski resorts in the world by country
Map of world ski resorts
This image of Zauchensee , Austria, shows the pistes, served by a gondola lift, detachable chairlift and a funicular. There is a snow fence to prevent snowdrift; and avalanche towers and avalanche barriers to mitigate the risk of avalanches
Jasná ski resort in Slovakia
Ski resorts can also be situated on a volcano like this one on Etna in Sicily
Gambarie , a ski resort above the Strait of Messina