No Snow... A Warm Winter in the "Old Continent"!

The mild weather has left many areas of Europe bare, which are usually covered in snow at this time of year, raising concerns for winter sports resorts about their future. Many are using snow-making machines to create artificial trails, leaving thin white lines snaking through the green and brown landscapes. In the Swiss village of Idalpoden, organizers of the World Cup skiing race on Saturday struggled with temperatures above freezing to ensure athletes could compete in the popular event while spectators enjoyed the scorching sun. Experts say the lack of snow this season offers a glimpse into future winters, as global temperatures continue to rise due to human-induced climate change. The impact is likely to be felt beyond the regional tourism industry. Winter snow in European mountains, like the Alps, is an important natural water reservoir for parts of the continent that already suffer from regular drought for the rest of the year.