Ski resorts across North America are turning to snow preservation technology to bypass unpredictable weather and launch training seasons earlier than usual. By stockpiling snow from previous winters under protective covers, facilities in Canada and the United States can prepare race courses even before the first natural snowfall arrives.

How does snow preservation work?

This technique, often referred to as "snow farming," involves gathering remaining snow into massive piles during the spring. These mounds are then shielded from the summer heat using specialized materials. Methods vary by location:

  • Insulated Blankets: Sun Peaks in British Columbia and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado use insulated blankets from the Finnish company Snow Secure to protect snow volumes.
  • Organic Coverings: In Davos, Switzerland, crews cover snow with a thick layer of sawdust to maintain trails.
  • Fabric Covers: Swedish resorts like Kåbdalis use insulating fabric to slow the melting process during warmer months.

At Sun Peaks, officials recently unveiled three piles containing 17,000 cubic metres of snow each. This volume is sufficient to cover the equivalent of 20 football fields.

Why is this technology becoming vital?

As winters become warmer and less predictable, resorts are seeking ways to manage resources more effectively. In Colorado, an experiment at Aspen Snowmass showed that approximately 85 per cent of the original snow volume remained after five months, despite record-breaking summer heat.

For athletes, this technology provides a critical competitive edge. At Sun Peaks, the ability to open the Nancy Greene International Race Centre by early November allows teams from Canada, the U.S., and Japan to train locally rather than traveling to Europe. This is particularly important as Environment Canada predicts a milder-than-average winter due to a super El Niño event, which may reduce seasonal snowfall.

FAQ

Does snow preservation replace snowmaking?

No, it is a method of saving existing snow from the previous year to supplement or prepare courses before new snow falls or machines are used.

Which regions are using these methods?

Resorts in Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Sweden, and various parts of Europe are currently utilizing different forms of snow farming.