Innovative Snowmaking Technology Provides Hope for Ski Resorts Facing Challenges

Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees mountains, La Molina stands as Spain’s oldest ski resort, once hosting prestigious events like the Alpine Skiing World Cup and the Snowboard World Championships. However, this iconic resort faces a grave threat — a shortage of natural snow. As global temperatures surge due to climate change, ski resorts worldwide are compelled to increasingly rely on artificial snow.

Yet, the production of fake snow comes with a significant environmental cost, particularly in regions grappling with prolonged and severe droughts. La Molina, located in a country reeling from the impacts of climate change, is taking a pioneering step to address this issue. Over the next three years, the Snow Laboratory project, a collaboration between the Barcelona Institute of Materials Science (ICMAB-CSIC) and FGC Turisme, will experiment with a novel snowmaking technique designed to be less resource-intensive and effective at higher temperatures.

The Snow Laboratory’s innovative approach involves adding a mineral, specifically feldspar, to the water used in snow guns — the machines responsible for producing artificial snow. This mineral, which constitutes about 60% of the Earth’s crust, triggers a process akin to natural ice nucleation that occurs in clouds. By mimicking this natural phenomenon, the Snow Laboratory aims to enhance the efficiency of snowmaking while reducing water and energy consumption.

During lab tests, this technique demonstrated a 30% reduction in energy costs and the ability to produce snow at temperatures approximately 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than traditional methods. Moreover, the Snow Laboratory expects to achieve a higher conversion ratio — the volume of snow produced in relation to the water input — increasing it from the typical 75% to 90%.

While the feldspar required for running two snow guns for an entire season is equivalent to a small amount, roughly the size of a Coke can, the potential benefits are significant. La Molina, situated in Catalonia, a region suffering from intense droughts, faces a growing need for sustainable snowmaking methods. As ski resorts worldwide grapple with the impact of climate change on their operations, artificial snow has become a crucial lifeline.

The Snow Laboratory’s technique offers a promising solution, particularly as resorts approach temperatures that challenge the viability of traditional snowmaking. This innovative approach, inspired by natural processes, seeks to balance the economic demands of the ski industry with environmental sustainability.

The testing phase of the Snow Laboratory project involves setting up snow guns at La Molina, utilizing water from a reservoir filled with melted spring snow. Beyond evaluating the efficiency of snowmaking, the project will conduct environmental assessments to ensure the safety and sustainability of the process. Feldspar, already widely used in various industries such as glassmaking and ceramics, is not expected to have adverse environmental impacts.

If successful, the Snow Laboratory’s technology could provide a more sustainable and efficient way for ski resorts to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. As resorts continue to grapple with the declining snowpack, innovations in snowmaking may offer a temporary solution while also prompting a broader conversation about the long-term environmental consequences of such adaptations. The next three years will witness the Snow Laboratory project expanding its testing to two other ski resorts in the region, assessing the technique’s performance under diverse conditions.

Ultimately, the Snow Laboratory envisions its technology providing crucial breathing space for mountain communities heavily reliant on snow-based economies. As ski resorts navigate the impacts of climate change, the pursuit of more sustainable and efficient snowmaking methods becomes imperative to ensure the longevity of these iconic destinations.