On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change: Canadians playing pond hockey on the prairies, skiing down the powdery faces of the Canadian Rockies, skating along the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing through Quebec’s forests, building snow forts in communities across the country – these are just some of the images that define the Canadian identity. Winter and winter sports are a large part of who we are.

Winter sports events and tourism are also an important source of income for many of Canada’s cities and rural communities. Canada’s ski sector contributes about $839 million to the economy every year while winter tourism, including festivals and cultural events, provides an estimated $5 billion.

This report examines how the decisions we make now about our response to climate change, including choices to reduce carbon dioxide (fossil fuel-based) emissions and implement adaptive measures, will ultimately affect the future of winter sports and the role they play as part of Canada’s identity, natural heritage, and economy.  The report concludes with recommendations about how winter sports stakeholders can take action on climate change and begin to adapt to the changes in Canadian winters already underway