Will Snow Cannons Save Ski Resorts?

There is still no definite opinion on the spot if the snow cannons still have the future. Many ski resorts have purchased snow making machines but according to the research of Swiss snow and avalanche research institute, they still have a very questionable future.

According to their research, the snow cannons work at altitude that is higher than 1,500 meters. At lower altitudes the snow that is produced by snowmaking machines will melt. Besides, snow cannons work better at when the temperature is low.

Besides, it is expected that the temperature in the Alps will rise by 1.8 degrees by 2050. So, the snow making machines will be less useful then.

Snow cannons are also the cause for one more problem – the ecological one. The trouble is that many ski resorts use the water from local lakes and rivers to make the artificial snow. The trouble is that in many lakes and rivers the water level is very low in winter and the use of their water can cause serious problems for their fauna and flora. Besides, in case the temperature goes up, snow cannons won’t be the solution for the resorts in any case as the snow they produce will melt in any case.

Photo: pixelio.de

09.12.2007