innovative snow-forecasting platforms

Foreca$ter is an innovative initiative that quantifies the economic value of snowfall in Canada. Launched by Protect Our Winters (also known as POW), the platform estimates that each centimeter of snow to be worth approximately CDN 25.5 million. This valuation is derived by dividing the annual economic contribution of the snow sports industry — which is about CDN 9.1 billion — by the average snowfall in Canadian ski areas — which is estimated to be 358 centimeters.

The Foreca$ter campaign underscores the significant role snow plays in Canada's outdoor recreation economy, which generates CDN 101.6 billion annually and supports 1.1 million jobs. By framing snow as a valuable natural resource, Foreca$ter highlights the economic risks posed by climate change, including projections of up to 25 fewer snow days by the 2050s if emissions are not reduced.

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