Climate change has posed severe challenges to European ski resorts, as shorter and less reliable snow cover forces them to adopt costly artificial snowmaking.
Statistics shows that the Alpine snow season in Europe has been shortened by approximately 38 days since the 1970s.
With natural snowfall becoming increasingly unreliable, many ski resorts have installed snow guns to maintain slope conditions.
However, while bearing rising operational costs, ski resorts have still failed to provide the same skiing experience as before.
"Yes, there are some differences. We have noticed the snow is not so good in many years, as it is not so compact, and there is not so much sun sometimes," said Tiago, a skier at the Sierra Nevada Ski Station in Granada, Spain.
"As the southernmost ski resort in Europe, we have seen more impacts from climate change and rising temperatures. Compared with other resorts in the Pyrenees or the Alps, we have more hours of sunshine. We are very close to the Mediterranean, so we have to manage the water and temperature very well. We have about 550 snow guns that can operate around the clock," said Paco Leon, head of ski run monitoring and technology at the resort.
In addition, the ski resort has introduced a containerized all-weather snow system this season, which can produce snow at temperatures above freezing.
"With this system, we can guarantee the stable production of snow whether it is sunny, cold, wetter or less," Leon said.
The higher costs have forced many ski resorts in Europe to diversify their offerings to increase revenue.
For example, Sierra Nevada has launched a mountain bike park, hiking activities, and music festivals in the summer to transform from a winter destination to a four-season mountain resort.
European ski resorts fight for future in face of climate change
European ski resorts fight for future in face of climate change
Brazil has intensified efforts to support Venezuelan migrants through a nationwide program that provides free courses and resettlement assistance, as thousands continue to flee to Brazil.
Over the past decade, more than 1.4 million Venezuelans have entered Brazil, with more than 70 percent crossing through Roraima, a state with limited capacity to absorb large numbers of newcomers. In the first 20 days of this year alone, over 5,000 Venezuelans arrived in Brazil.
To ease the strain on Roraima, the "Operation Welcome" relocates vulnerable migrants to other cities in a voluntary, safe, and orderly manner. At coordination and education centers, Venezuelans can take free courses to boost employment prospects, while those with family or jobs elsewhere receive travel documents to continue their journey.
Among the Venezuelans seeking a new life is Ana del Valle, who plans to head south and credits the program with supporting her family.
"They have given us so much support. They have always been attentive to our needs. Truly, they are exceptional. I am so grateful. I hope I can find work soon to provide a good education for my children and improve our quality of life," she said.
Not all migrants rely on government assistance. At the bus terminal in the border city of Pacaraima, ticket agents said many Venezuelans with greater financial means purchase tickets directly to southeastern and southern states in Brazil, where job opportunities are more abundant.
"My final destination is Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state. I was told it's very safe. When I arrive, I'm going to look for a job there. I have a cousin there," said Josue Marca, another Venezuelan migrant.
Although arrivals have slowed compared with previous years, Brazilian experts say the decline is temporary. As long as Venezuelans face shortages of food, medicine and public services, migration into Brazil is expected to continue.
Brazil steps up program to help Venezuelan migrants resettle
