Snow farming might help the ski industry survive global warming

As the effects of climate change become more apparent, ski hills and nordic centres are looking for innovative solutions to extend their snow season. One such technique gaining popularity is snow farming, a practice that involves stockpiling snow to ensure a longer season for winter sports enthusiasts.

Canada has been a pioneer in snow farming, with Banff Sunshine in Alberta leading the way since the 1970s. Kendra Scurfield, Vice-President of Brand and Communications at Banff Sunshine, explains that their unique location, which lacks a major water source, forced them to get creative with snow collection. Using fences made of bamboo and plastic, the mountain operations team strategically captures snowfall and wind patterns to stockpile snow where it’s needed most.

Similarly, the Canmore Nordic Centre in Alberta has adopted snow storage as a way to kickstart their season. By creating large snow piles covered with insulating materials like sawdust, they are able to preserve snow throughout the summer and excavate it in the fall to create an early season track called Frozen Thunder. This year, the track is set to be the longest ever, catering to both high-performance athletes and recreational skiers.

In the United States, Craftsbury Outdoor Centre in Vermont has also embraced snow farming to combat the effects of climate change on their ski season. Working with the University of Vermont School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Craftsbury experimented with snow storage techniques using woodchips to preserve snow throughout the summer. This innovative approach has allowed them to maintain skiing opportunities even in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Aside from extending the ski season, snow farming also has environmental benefits. Craftsbury Outdoor Centre sources wood chips from fallen trees on their trails and uses heat recovery units to power their snow guns, reducing their environmental impact. This sustainable approach not only ensures economic stability for the centre and local businesses but also allows for creative uses of snow, such as hosting a summer ski event on the 4th of July.

As ski resorts and nordic centres face the challenges of climate change, snow farming emerges as a viable solution to ensure a consistent and enjoyable winter sports season. By harnessing innovative techniques and sustainable practices, these locations can continue to provide quality snow experiences for enthusiasts while minimizing their environmental footprint.