Skiers are increasingly abandoning Scottish slopes as analysts warn that climate change could spell a meltdown for the industry.

A new consumer study reveals a near five-fold decline in the number of skier days in Scotland in the space of six years.

While more than 1.3 million Britons are expected to take to the slopes this year - up 13% on 2003 - consumer analysts Mintel have warned that a lack of reliable snow means there is an "uncertain future" for the ski industry.

Lower-lying ski resorts are already experiencing changes in weather conditions, with many seeing little or no snow fall in recent years, the study said. Abondance in France closed its ski runs last year, with an estimated 20 other resorts in that region also on the brink of closure.

The Scottish ski industry was also struggling with scarcer snow, Mintel said.

According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, Scottish skier days have fallen from 366,000 in the 2000-01 season to a mere 78,700 in 2006-07.

Mintel warned the number of Scottish skier days in the long term was "likely to disappear altogether" with home skiers opting to head to indoor ski slopes or abroad.

Richard Cope, senior travel analyst at Mintel, said: "Although the popularity of snow sports continues to grow, much of the fragile local environment that ski resorts thrive in is under severe threat from development and global warming.

"Snowfall is just seen as being very unreliable in the UK and when you are skiing, that is particularly pertinent.

"Combined with that is the fact that while people would once have gone to Scotland to sample skiing they can now get on low-cost flights to European slopes."

The popularity of indoor slopes has come through a rise in the number of UK centres.

There are now 80 artificial slopes and, for those who want a more authentic experience, there five indoor real snow venues.

"Although indoor skiing presents a real opportunity for the ski industry, there is a danger it could just become another out-of-town leisure park activity like bowling," said Mr Cope.