Introduction
In the face of the ever-evolving challenges posed by climate change, the snowmaking industry is undergoing a significant transformation. This article will consider the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of snowmaking and industry sustainability in ski resorts worldwide.
The Future of Winter Sports
The future of winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding, is facing significant challenges due to climate change. These sports are not only a source of recreation but also hold considerable economic significance. In 2022, the ski and snowboard resort industry in the United States alone had a market size of $4.4 billion.
One of the most pressing concerns for winter sports is the unpredictable and often adverse weather patterns attributed to climate change. Meteorological forecasts, like those from NOAA indicating a strong El Niño through early 2024, suggest varied impacts across the United States. While some areas like the Northeast and parts of the West might benefit from increased snowfall, the overall trend is worrisome. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has observed a significant shift in winter precipitation over the last century, with 80% of weather stations in the contiguous 48 states recording more winter rain than snow. This shift is critical for winter sports, which rely on consistent snow cover.
The response of ski resorts to these challenges is multifaceted. One primary strategy is the increased reliance on artificial snow production. However, this approach has its drawbacks. Artificial snow production is expensive and resource-intensive, requiring significant water and energy.
The environmental impact of climate change on ski resorts extends beyond erratic snowfall. Increased temperatures and reduced snow cover are projected to shorten snow seasons, particularly in the Northeast, where resorts require an average season length of at least 100 days to remain profitable. A University of Basel study in Switzerland warns that lower-altitude resorts will increasingly depend on artificial snow, substantially raising water consumption. In the French Alps, water usage for snow production could increase ninefold by 2100. Additionally, ski areas worldwide contend with other environmental threats, such as firestorms and melting glaciers.
The future of winter sports is at a crucial juncture. While technological advancements in snow production offer a temporary solution, the long-term sustainability of these sports hinges on broader environmental and climate strategies. Addressing these challenges will require innovation in the snow sports industry and concerted efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on a global scale.
Emerging Trends in Snowmaking Technology
Emerging trends in snowmaking technology play a crucial role in addressing challenges faced by the winter sports industry in the face of climate change. These innovations are enhancing the efficiency of snow production and steering the industry toward greater sustainability.
Making Snow Above Freezing
An exciting advance in snowmaking technology addresses the challenges posed by climate change, particularly warmer winters and reduced snowfall. Traditional snowmaking machines are only effective in sub-freezing temperatures. However, the EU-funded SnowRESolution project aims to overcome this limitation by developing technology that enables high-quality snow production, even at temperatures above 0°C, without relying on chemical additives.
The core of this technology lies in using thermally driven (heat-based) refrigeration to exploit the triple point of water. At this point, occurring at 0°C and almost in a vacuum (6mbar), water exists simultaneously in ice, liquid, and vapor phases, enabling tiny ice crystals to form.
From an energy consumption standpoint, this technology is more efficient when powered by renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar collectors or biomass steam boilers, consuming only 10 kWh/m³ of snow compared to the 30 kWh/m³ required when running on electricity.
A standard machine can produce approximately 48 m³ of snow per hour, demonstrating a significant capability for snow production. Pilot programs using this technology have shown promising results, striking an impressive balance between snow quality, energy efficiency, and production volume.
However, the adoption of this technology does come with challenges. For example, the initial setup and operational costs could be burdensome, especially for smaller ski resorts. In addition, while the technology is environmentally friendlier than traditional methods, reliance on renewable energy sources might limit its applicability in regions where such resources are not feasible.
Water Use
Using reclaimed wastewater involves treating and purifying wastewater to a level safe for environmental release or specific uses like snowmaking. This approach offers an eco-friendly solution by reducing reliance on freshwater sources, often limited in many ski areas. It also represents a significant step towards sustainable water management, as it recycles water that would otherwise be discharged into the environment. Ski resorts using this method aid in water conservation and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
Snow Farming
Snow farming is a sustainable and eco-friendly technique for maintaining high alpine ski slopes. This method uses strategically placed fencing in high-altitude, windy areas above the treeline to capture and store natural snow. This approach works exceptionally well in the Canadian Rockies, where the conditions are ideal for capturing large volumes of snow throughout the winter season. The collected snow can be spread over the slopes, eliminating the need for artificial snow production.
One of the primary advantages of snow farming is its minimal environmental impact. Unlike traditional snowmaking methods that require substantial water and energy, snow farming leverages natural weather patterns and reduces the environmental impact of resort operations. This method aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on environmental sustainability as it minimizes resource use while maximizing the benefits of natural weather conditions.
Snow farming is not limited to the Canadian Rockies. European resorts use a slightly different farming technique during the summer months. They preserve established snowpacks by covering them with tarps, foil, or sawdust to protect them from warm temperatures and sunlight, extending the snowpack’s lifespan until the next winter season. This approach helps extend ski seasons and offers a buffer against limited snowfall and rising temperatures.
However, snow farming’s effectiveness depends on specific geographic and environmental conditions, specifically high-altitude, windy terrain with abundant natural snowfall, which exists at only a few ski resorts. For now, while snow farming offers a promising solution for some, it remains a niche technique best suited to resorts with the appropriate natural environment. However, as global climate patterns change and technology evolves to meet these challenges, the role and applicability of snow farming could potentially serve as a model for other resorts seeking methods for sustainable snow management.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
The ski industry increasingly recognizes that addressing climate change requires more than green initiatives at individual resorts. A growing awareness has emerged that the industry must extend its efforts beyond on-site operations and actively participate in broader climate advocacy and policy change.
Many ski resorts have traditionally focused on reducing their own carbon footprints, implementing energy-efficient snowmaking, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction programs. However, a deeper understanding of the scale of climate change has led to a shift in strategy. Resorts now leverage their influence to shape public opinion and push for comprehensive climate legislation. This shift acknowledges that the impacts of climate change are far-reaching and cannot be mitigated by isolated efforts alone. By advocating for broader policy changes, these resorts aim to contribute to global efforts against climate change, going beyond the confines of their immediate operations.
