Effects on Ski Bussiness in Toyama Prefecture by Decreasing of Snowfall under the Global Warming

Abstract

 Global warming is a serious problem that cannot be avoided any longer. This problem has impacted on weather and climate. Therefore the snow (snowfall, snow accumulation and snowmelt) will be changed greatly in the future compared with the current situation.
 In this study, we analyzed the impact on the ski business due to the changes of snow amount by the global warming. Firstly, we estimated by regression analysis the relationship between the snow amount and the number of visitors of the ski areas in the Toyama Prefecture. Secondly, the data of snowfall in current and future were created by using the observed data and data from Soil Vegetation Atmosphere Transfer model and Global Climate Model. Thirdly, by using the data of snowfall in the future under global warming as well as the relationship of the snow amount and the number of visitors, we calculated the effect of snowfall on the business income and the number of visitors in the future. Finally, we surveyed to the ski area owners for adaptation methods against the global warming.