Introduction
For residents and vacationers alike, winter sports and recreation depend heavily on consistent, high-quality snow cover throughout the season. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying a winter landscape, the availability of snow significantly impacts the success and enjoyment of these activities and, ultimately, drives the local economy. While machine-made snow is traditionally employed at ski resorts, indoor ski slopes featuring climate-controlled environments can engage in snowmaking year-round, regardless of the season.
As weather patterns, temperatures, and snowfall become increasingly unpredictable and the popularity of indoor ski resorts grows, there has been an increased demand for artificial snow to complement or replace natural snowfall. Notably, some ski resorts now depend heavily on artificial snow production to extend their ski seasons and mitigate the impact of fluctuating natural snow conditions.
In recent years, artificial snow was significantly used at major events like the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where 80% of the snow was machine-made. The use of artificial snow at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, was as high as 98%. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, 100% of the snow was man-made. These events relied on artificial snow to supplement natural snowfall and guarantee optimal conditions for competitive winter sports despite unpredictable weather patterns.
This article will examine how the technology works and consider the broad contribution of snowmaking technology to commercial winter sports and recreation.
The History of Snowmaking
The concept of snowmaking dates back to the mid-20th century, when early attempts relied on basic methods such as spreading crushed ice or freezing water on ski slopes through perforated pipes. It was not until the 1950s that the first snow cannon, a primitive precursor to modern snow guns, was developed in the United States.
Thanks to high economic returns, snowmaking technology evolved rapidly, driven by advancements in engineering, materials science, and meteorology. The 1970s witnessed the widespread adoption of fan snow guns capable of producing a more consistent snow quality. Since then, a steady stream of innovations has led to the development of fully automated and computer-controlled snowmaking systems that integrate artificial intelligence and real-time weather data to optimize snow production.
Today, snowmaking reservoirs play a central role in this evolution. Early snowmaking systems relied entirely on natural water sources, while modern snowmaking reservoirs are engineered with sophisticated features to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and environmental compatibility. As the demand for snow sports continues to grow, the development of snowmaking technology, with snowmaking reservoirs at its core, remains at the forefront of the industry.
Modern Snowmaking
Of course, the magic of modern snowmaking goes beyond casually spraying a hose into the air on a cold night. It takes a well-trained, well-organized crew working round the clock to operate the equipment whenever conditions permit, usually commencing sometime in the fall.
Snowmaking systems for large resorts begin with a water supply such as a large river or reservoir. Water is pumped through one or more pipelines using powerful electric pumps and then distributed to trails through a complex network of valves and pipes. Many resorts also add nucleating agents such as bacterial or plant-based proteins or mineral dust to encourage water to freeze and turn into snow, even in slightly warmer temperatures. While snowmaking operators may experiment with different agents to optimize the process based on local conditions and requirements, all nucleating agents are selected to be non-toxic and biodegradable.
In modern snowmaking, operators mimic natural snowfall by strategically placing snow guns along ski slopes or outdoor areas. These machines release water and compressed air into the air, where the water droplets freeze and form tiny ice crystals that gently settle to the ground. The resulting artificial snow is distributed across the slopes, creating a uniform and consistent snow base. Although the texture of artificial snow may vary based on factors like water content, production temperature, and specific technology, it generally tends to be denser and slightly more granular than natural powder’s light, fluffy consistency.
Snowmaking Reservoirs
Producing snow on ski slopes demands a substantial water supply, typically stored in expansive reservoirs adjacent to powerful pumping stations. According to skiingwisconsin.com, most snowmaking systems require about 200,000 gallons to cover one acre of ski slope at a depth of one foot. Many ski areas in the state use over 50 million gallons annually to blanket all their slopes with more than four feet of snow.
The powerful snowmaking system in Deer Valley, Utah, includes 250 snow guns, an extensive network of 40 miles of pipes, and 1,150 hydrants. Operating continuously from October to January (as weather conditions permit), this system blankets 725 acres of land with artificial snow, consuming approximately 240 million gallons of water each season.
Meanwhile, the sister resorts of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in Southern California draw from Big Bear Lake to fill their snowmaking reservoirs. Bear Mountain’s reservoirs boast around 15 million gallons of storage capacity, while Snow Summit’s capacity reaches approximately 18 million gallons.
Snow Valley adopts a distinct approach, drawing water from two deep wells for snow production. One well is situated in the parking lot, while the other is strategically located approximately one-third of the way up the hill.
Creating snow from water requires a delicate balance of meteorological conditions and high-tech engineering, and the role played by snowmaking reservoirs is far from simple.
Water Supply and Quality
A reliable and high-quality water supply is crucial for successful snowmaking as it directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Clean water ensures that the snow produced meets quality standards, and consistent supplies are essential for maintaining uniform snow coverage across slopes throughout the skiing season. Notably, a dependable water source minimizes ongoing environmental impacts by reducing the need to tap into additional water bodies or ecosystems. It contributes to the overall sustainability of snowmaking operations.
Reservoir Design
The efficiency and sustainability of snow production for winter sports start with the design of the primary water storage units for snowmaking operations. Reservoirs must be designed to meet the demands of ski resorts, including capacity, location, and the incorporation of efficient inflow and outflow systems to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality water throughout the season. The size of the reservoir directly influences the coverage and depth of snow on ski slopes, impacting the overall quality of the winter sports experience.
An optimal reservoir design enhances water conservation, reduces dependence on natural resources, and contributes significantly to the success of snowmaking operations, ultimately extending the winter sports season and nurturing economic vitality for ski resorts and the surrounding communities.
Snow Guns
The strategic placement of snow guns in relation to snowmaking reservoirs is a key factor in efficient water distribution and snow production. Optimal placement minimizes the need for extensive piping, reduces energy consumption in pumping water to the equipment, supports a more responsive and effective snowmaking process, and facilitates efficient system maintenance and monitoring.
A Foundation for Economic Success
In the fiercely competitive winter sports industry, resorts boasting the best snow conditions sell the most passes, rent the most equipment, and secure the largest market share. In this race to the top, snowmaking technology allows resorts to prolong their snow season and attract visitors for extended stays.
The ability to guarantee optimal snow conditions is indispensable to the success of winter sports and local tourism, enhancing the overall experience for winter sports enthusiasts and fostering repeat visits and positive reviews.
Reliable snow cover also contributes to the broader economic sustainability of winter tourism destinations by attracting a steady influx of visitors who patronize local businesses. When natural snowfall is in short supply, snowmaking technology becomes an economic lifeline supporting communities’ livelihoods reliant on seasonal tourism.
