Ski Resorts Develop Ways to Make More Energy-Efficient Snow, Reducing Emissions

For many, a ski or snowboard trip is the ultimate winter vacation. However, climate change is making naturally occurring snow more and more of a rarity. Although many ski resorts, particularly in the American East, have always relied on man-made snow, this process is becoming increasingly crucial to the industry’s survival. Fortunately, technological advancements are reducing the environmental impact of artificial snowmaking.

Making artificial snow requires large amounts of energy. The guns which are used to create snow can use massive amounts of fuel. Indeed, each year one small Vermont ski resort uses enough energy to power roughly 100 homes. Since this electricity often comes from nonrenewable resources, generating fake snow can contribute significantly to carbon emissions. 

Since 1955, snowpack has declined by 23 percent in the Western United States. This is where many of the most famous American ski resorts are located. Snowlines are also rising due to warming temperatures. These factors are increasing Western ski resorts’ reliance on man-made snow. In large parts of the Northern Hemisphere, human-driven Global warming is making it increasingly likely that there may be dramatic snow loss.

Historically, snow-making machines relied on diesel. However, in recent decades the industry has begun to transition to electricity. This has the potential to lower carbon emissions associated with snow production. The electrification process makes it possible for some ski resorts to integrate renewable energy into their snow-making process. 

Additionally, more comprehensive tracking of energy usage could be key in reducing ski resorts’ energy consumption. Making this data publicly available could incentivize resorts to adopt initiatives that could lower their energy usage, and therefore their carbon emissions. Public awareness and interest in sustainability is increasing, making sustainability a smart marketing strategy.

Automated systems, which are already popular at European ski resorts, could also help to lower the environmental impact of snow production. These systems would allow resorts to quickly adjust production, potentially saving money and energy. However, they are costly to install. This makes them prohibitive for many resorts. 

It greatly behooves ski resorts to focus on decreasing their environmental impact. As an industry that is largely reliant on specific weather conditions and patterns, a changing environment threatens their very survival.  

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