From snow skiing to grass skiing: Implications of climate change for the ski industry in Dizin, Iran

This paper is concerned with climate change and its implications, making particular reference to Dizin in Iran which is one of the country's leading snow ski resorts. The impacts of climate change on ski businesses are examined, alongside the consequences for local communities, their economies, and overall sustainability. In addition, attention is given to responses by affected enterprises and other stakeholders to the problems caused by falls in demand for snow skiing due to decreasing snow cover attributed to global warming. Adaptive strategies focus on marketing and product diversification with attempts to develop other nature-based pursuits throughout the year as an alternative to that of skiing, but there are concerns about the future among those who rely on snow skiers for a livelihood. Findings are derived from original research incorporating 30 interviews with those involved in the ski industry in Dizin, including residents from a nearby village.