New Study On Snowmaking Sparks Environmental Concerns

Unsurprisingly, the process of snowmaking consumes a significant amount of energy.

According to a study conducted by the University of Waterloo in Canada and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, the energy usage associated with snowmaking in Canadian ski resorts is substantial. Annually, snowmakers utilize approximately 478,000 megawatt-hours of electricity and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce artificial snow. The study further reveals that generating an estimated 42 million cubic meters of man-made snow requires 130,095 tons of CO2e emissions, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of nearly 17,000 homes in a year.

In response to these findings, the report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the ski industry, environmental organizations, and policymakers to develop protocols that prioritize sustainability. These protocols aim to address the challenges presented by climate change and its impacts on snowpack.

The Canadian ski industry holds significant importance within the country's tourism sector, with a current count of 237 operating ski resorts/areas. On average, there are around 18.2 million skier visits each year, with approximately 2.7 million visitors coming from other countries.

Professor Daniel Scott, a faculty member of the Geography and Environmental Management department at Waterloo, suggests various measures to enhance the energy efficiency of snowmaking equipment.

“Our results emphasize the need to adopt a systems approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of ski tourism…This will include embracing innovation and investing in energy-efficient snowmaking technologies, promoting water conservation measures, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.” -Daniel Scott

The article does suggest that the problem is improving with time. Read the full report Here.

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