Artificial snow - its history and the future of ski resorts

As winter ski enthusiasts eagerly await the first snowfall, ski resorts around the world prepare to create the perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Although nature doesn't always cooperate, modern technology has provided a solution: artificial snow making. But how exactly is artificial snow made and what techniques and considerations are involved? Here we will delve into the science behind artificial snow, exploring both traditional and modern methods, as well as the future and potential downsides of its use.

The science behind snow crystals

To understand how artificial snow is created, it is important to first understand how natural snow crystals form. Snowflakes form when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into ice crystals around microscopic particles. These particles can be dust, pollen or other airborne particles that act as a base for the growth of ice crystals.

In artificial snowmaking, snow cannons act as nucleators by providing a surface for water droplets to freeze onto. The high-pressure water is sprayed into the air, where it quickly cools and freezes, forming tiny ice particles that eventually grow into snowflakes as they fall to the ground.

The development of snowmaking technology

The development of snowmaking technology in the mid-20th century revolutionised ski tourism, enabling ski resorts to reliably produce high-quality artificial snow, regardless of natural conditions. Today, snowmaking machines use a combination of water and compressed air to create snowflakes that closely mimic the properties of natural snow. However, it must be below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for the snowmaking to work.

The most common type of snowmaking machine is the snow cannon, which works by forcing water through a high-pressure nozzle. As the water exits the nozzle, as explained, it atomises into small water droplets that freeze almost immediately when exposed to the cold air. Compressed air is often used to improve the atomisation process, resulting in finer snow particles and better coverage on the slopes.

Old snowmaking techniques

Before the advent of modern snowmaking technology, the art of creating artificial snow was a labour-intensive process that often relied on natural ingredients. One of the earliest methods was to mix water with sawdust or straw and distribute the mixture on the ski slopes using hoses or buckets. Although this approach could provide a passable surface for skiing, it was highly dependent on weather conditions to operate and required a significant amount of manpower.

Another old technique was to use ice, which was harvested from lakes and rivers, which was then crushed and spread out on the slopes to create a base layer. Although this method produced a more durable surface, it was also time-consuming and required access to large quantities of ice, and of course didn't make the best quality of snow.

Modern techniques - efficiency and precision

Modern snowmaking technology has evolved to become more efficient and environmentally friendly, with advances in equipment design, water management and energy conservation. Computerised snowmaking systems allow ski resorts to monitor weather conditions and adjust snowmaking in real time, and thus minimising water use and maximising efficiency.

One of the most important innovations in snowmaking technology is the use of energy-efficient snow cannons that require less electricity and water to produce snow. These guns use innovative nozzles and airflow patterns to optimise snow production while reducing energy consumption.

The next generation of snowmaking

With the climate changes we face, especially with the Earth's rising temperatures, new technologies will be required to streamline the process of snowmaking. And promising progress has already been made today. The Spanish ski resort La Molina in the Spanish Pyrenees is already testing a new technology developed in Barcelona where the mineral feldspar is added to the manufacturing process.

The mineral allows the formation of ice crystals to take place in air temperatures just above zero degrees Celsius, and in addition energy use is reduced by up to 30%. Furthermore, the technology increases the conversion of water to snow from around 75% to up to 90%, which reduces the amount of water required. And more good news with the technology is that very little feldspar is required, reportedly requiring as little as a small soda can to keep two snow cannons going for an entire season.

Disadvantages of artificial snow

Although artificial snow is today a very important tool in the ski industry and has provided a reliable alternative to natural snow, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is the environmental impact of snowmaking, especially in regions where water resources are scarce, or ecosystems are vulnerable to disturbance.

Snowmaking requires large amounts of water, which can strain local water supplies and ecosystems. In some cases, ski resorts must draw water from rivers, lakes or groundwater sources, potentially disrupting aquatic habitats and reducing the availability of water otherwise used for other purposes.

In addition, the snowmaking process involves the use of energy-intensive equipment, such as pumps, compressors and snow cannons, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Although efforts have been made to improve the energy efficiency of snowmaking, the environmental footprint of artificial snow production remains a concern.

Another disadvantage is the quality of artificial snow compared to natural snow. Although modern snowmaking technology has come a long way in replicating the structure and texture of natural snow, there are many skiers and snowboarders who still prefer the real thing. Artificial snow can be denser and icier than natural snow, which affects the overall skiing experience and can also increase the risk of injuries.

In conclusion

Artificial snowmaking has changed the ski industry as ski resorts can offer consistent snow conditions and extend the ski season in regions where natural snowfall is unreliable. The development from old manual techniques with sawdust and ice to modern snowmaking machines powered by compressed air and water has been important.

However, the widespread use of artificial snow raises important questions about its environmental impact and long-term sustainability. As the ski industry continues to grapple with these challenges, efforts are underway to develop more environmentally friendly snowmaking techniques and methods that minimise water use, energy consumption and environmental disruption.

While artificial snow may never fully replace the magic of fresh powder falling from the sky, it remains an essential tool for ski resorts around the world, ensuring that winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding regardless of Mother Nature's whims and the climate change we face. As technology continues to advance and environmental concerns come to the fore, the future of artificial snowmaking is likely to be shaped by further innovation with improved methods to increase snow availability at ski resorts, while still preserving the beauty of our winter landscapes.