Greece's mountain snow vanishes as climate change reshapes winters

Snow cover on Greek mountains has dropped by over 50% since the mid-1980s. A new study by the University of Cambridge and the National Observatory of Athens highlights the sharp decline. Rising temperatures, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, are the main cause of this shift. The village of Arachova, nestled near Mount Parnassos, once relied on heavy winter snowfall for its entire water supply. Mayor Giannis Stathas recalls childhood winters when deep snow trapped residents for days. Now, the same snow levels that once blanketed the village at 300 metres are only seen at 2,400 metres.

The ski season in Arachova has also shifted, starting in January instead of December. With less snow, authorities are exploring solutions like small dams and snow retention techniques. Locals, aware of water shortages, carefully conserve water, especially in summer. Snow plays a crucial role in storing water, acting as a natural reservoir that slowly releases meltwater during dry months. Mount Parnassos, though not part of the study, reflects the broader trend of shrinking snow cover across Greece.

The decline in snow affects both water supplies and local economies. Arachova’s adaptation efforts aim to secure water for the future. Without intervention, the region’s reliance on snowmelt could face further challenges.