By Melissa Brown
Ski resorts increasingly rely on machines to create artificial snow. But is the process damaging the environment? Since its invention in the 1950s, the use of snowmaking in the Alps has become widespread. Critics decry its use of local water and energy supplies, as well as its impact on the surrounding environment. Resorts say it is vital to the long-term survival of mountain communities and the entire winter sports industry.
What is snowmaking?
There are two types of snowmaking machine. Air guns internally mix water and compressed air supplied by pipes; the compressed air atomises the water then forces it out where, with luck, it freezes and falls as snow. Fan guns spray a mist of water into a fan which then blows the water upwards into the air, where it turns into snow.
Why is it used?
Patterns of snowfall in the Alps have altered in recent years, with many resorts now reporting favourable ski conditions in April and negligible snowfall in December. Snow cannons supplement coverage when real snow is falling, and when it is not, they can lay the first bed of snow in preparation for natural snowfall. This allows resorts to start their seasons as early as possible. Also, resorts are aware that skiers expect to see snow on the ground. Rather than trust to the vagaries of the weather, they want certainty.
What does it cost?
A lot. An efficient snowmaking system will make up 15% to 25% of a resort's total operating costs. Of course, the use of such technology is reflected in the price of a ski pass, but without the machines, skiers and boarders might face serious limitations on their sport.
Does it work?
Up to a point, yes. Early snowmaking machines required near freezing temperatures to operate, but new technologies claim to be weather-independent. However, there's no escaping the fact that if temperatures are too high, the snow will melt, as happened in the first part of winter 2007-2008. Many skiers say that artificial snow is not of the same quality as natural snow.
What are the objections?
The energy required to produce artificial snow is vast, offsetting other environmental initiatives employed by resorts.
To optimise snowmaking, chemicals are added to the water that supplies snow cannons. These chemicals – known as nucleators – improve efficiency by providing a centre for snowflakes to form around, and allowing the water to freeze at lower temperatures. Modern nucleators are thought not to be toxic to people or animals, but some authorities are reluctant to allow their use. Also, vegetation growth can be affected by longer snow coverage.
Water and energy supplies are another issue. A snowmaking system uses massive amounts of both, creating competition between tourism and agriculture.
Who's in favour?
Resort owners are in favour because it gives them the confidence to guarantee skiing throughout the season. They claim that without snowmaking bookings would suffer and ultimately this could create unemployment, and threaten the future of mountain communities.
Also, the energy used in snowmaking is a tiny fraction of that used by aircraft to get skiers to resorts. If holidaymakers travel by train, the reduction in carbon emissions would far outweigh the damage caused by snowmaking.
What's the future?
IDE Technologies has announced a new technology – the Vacuum Ice Maker – that produces snow regardless of air temperature. As it uses 80% less power than other weather-independent snowmaking technologies, it is much better for the environment, although the issues surrounding water usage and local vegetation still remain.
Despite new technologies, rising temperatures will still result in snow melting. If global warming continues to grip the planet, the future of low-lying ski resorts could be at risk.