Ski resorts in Chile are facing a severe drought, with the main ski resorts in the metropolitan area having to suspend the use of up to 90% of their slopes, according to the Chilean Ski Resorts Association (ACESKI).

Impact on Tourism

The drought has led to a shortage of snow, which is affecting the tourism industry in Chile. The country is a popular destination for tourists from the US who are looking for somewhere to ski during the North American summer.

In 2025, the region’s ski resorts welcomed more than 1,240,000 skiers, with a direct economic impact of US$283 million, of which US$228 million came from foreign tourists, according to ACESKI.

Climate Change

Authorities warn that climate change is at least partially to blame for the drought, and that the region may need to find other ways to entice tourists to spend their money.

Arnaldo Zúñiga, meteorologist and spokesperson for Chile’s Meteorological Directorate (DMC), said that the trends that mark climate change indicate that the region is headed for a decrease in precipitation, which will lead to less snow.

Adapting to the Drought

Some slopes are resorting to creating snow artificially, while hotels and restaurants are trying to stay optimistic. ACESKI president Michael Leatherbee said that the association has invested in systems and technologies to make snow, and that tourists can still take ski lessons, take the panoramic chairlift, and enjoy other activities.

Chilean authorities are trying to move towards ‘four-season tourism, where there is activity in the mountains throughout the year’, as described by Chile’s Undersecretary of Tourism, María Paz Lagos. This could include nature tours, hiking, wellness-related activities, and culinary events, which do not rely on snow.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.