FACING a long-time crisis in winter sports because of climate change, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) teamed up with the United Nations weather agency today.

The initial five-year partnership between FIS and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) aims to help national ski federations, venues and race organisers better understand weather forecasting to manage natural and artificial snow. An online meeting is set for November 7.

The Switzerland-based organisations said in a joint statement: “Winter sports and tourism face a bleak future because of climate change” and warmer temperatures.