Natural Snow and Machine-Made Snow

• Natural snow forms in clouds and falls as natural precipitation, depending on temperature and weather conditions.
• Machine-made snow is produced from water and air under suitable conditions.
• Both types of snow can be mixed on a piste and then groomed.
• Temperature, humidity, sunshine and the underlying surface all affect how the snow feels to ski on.
• Snowmaking requires water and energy, so its impact needs to be assessed in the context of each location.
• For a trip, current conditions, open lifts and piste grooming matter more than the label alone.

Natural snow forms when ice crystals grow in clouds and fall to the ground as flakes. Its shape and consistency depend, among other things, on temperature and humidity. Dry powder can ski differently from damp snow, which changes with warmth, wind or sunshine. Conditions in the valley may therefore differ from those on a higher section of the piste.

Regional context can help with trip planning: the pages on skiing in Austria, skiing in Switzerland and skiing in Germany cover different altitudes and winter conditions. However, none of these overviews replaces the latest report for the dates of your trip.

In snowmaking, water is dispersed into fine droplets so they can freeze in cold air. Whether this works depends not only on temperature but also on humidity, wind and the equipment. The droplets need enough time and suitable conditions before they reach the ground. For a more detailed explanation, see How snowmaking works.

Snowmaking systems vary by location and purpose. Some areas are prepared early, while others receive additional snow only when conditions are right. Snow cannons therefore do not indicate that every run is open or has the same conditions at all times.

Machine-made snow can be denser and more durable than loose fresh snow. Grooming creates a compact surface on which skis may grip differently. Natural snow can be blown around by the wind, changed by the sun or compacted by frequent use. So the feel of the snow cannot be predicted from its type alone.

Piste grooming combines the existing snow cover with technology and experience. A snow groomer works the snow, redistributes it and shapes the surface for the next day’s operations. Even so, changing conditions can leave individual sections harder, softer or icier.

Snowmaking requires water, energy, pipes, reservoirs and suitable operating conditions. It is not useful to give a single figure that applies to every area. Geology, climate, equipment and management all differ. Information on water and storage ponds and the Snow Compass from Seilbahnen Schweiz can help put the subject into perspective.

For your trip, this means checking the latest information from the operator, observing closures and not judging valley runs or toboggan routes solely by the condition of the pistes. If you are planning different winter activities, you could also consider winter hiking or a holiday in South Tyrol for comparison.

Is natural snow always better?

No. How it feels to ski depends on temperature, humidity, the underlying surface, grooming and use. Either type of snow can create good or challenging conditions.

Is machine-made snow made of plastic?

No. In snowmaking, water is turned into frozen droplets using air under suitable conditions. It is not plastic.

Why can a piste be open when there is little natural snow?

A groomed snow cover supplemented by snowmaking may be sufficient locally. The operator decides whether to open a piste based on current conditions and safety.

Does snowmaking affect the environment?

Snowmaking systems require water, energy and infrastructure. Their impacts depend on the location and how they are operated, so they should not be judged with a blanket verdict that applies to every area.