Duration of the Snow Cover and the Need for Artificial Snow—A Challenge for Management in Ski-Centres of Serbia

Abstract

The production and use of artificial snow has become necessary in most ski centres in Europe. The lack of snow creates problems in ski centres that were built without the prior valuation of natural factors. The survey covered winter tourist centres in Serbia, which are facing problems due to the shortening of the tourist season caused by the lack of snow cover on the ski slopes. The duration of the snow cover is the result of several factors. Air temperature changes were analysed in mountain tourist centres in Serbia, as well as at undeveloped destinations with a potential for snow sports. On the basis of the quantitative indicators of the air temperature and the methodology by means of which snowmaking is carried out, the time periods during the year for making artificial snow are presented. Due to the forecast rise in air temperature, the issue of profitability of artificial snow in the ski centres of Serbia remains open.