New snowmaker can operate in 32 degree weather
Equipment to make snow has been around for a number of years. But now, an Italian company has introduced a new machine that could change the ski industry and even let resorts stay open through the summer months.
Made by TechnoAlpin based in the Tyrol, The Snow Factory will produce snow in any air temperature up to 32°C. That is a dramatic shift as most current machines require sub-zero air temperatures to run. Anything warmer than that and ski resorts across France, the Alps and the world go without the extra snow when using conventional technology.
To create snow, the machine produces dry ice flakes inside its own temperature-regulated container. There are then large refrigerated cylinders to create snowflakes from the ice, and there are conveyor belts that transport and deposit the freshly-made snow.
“It can be 80 or 90 degrees [32°C] outside and the Snow Factory can still make snow,” says Robin Smith, head of strategy and business development for the American branch of the company, in talking with Outside Online. “The only catch is how long will the snow last in 90-degree weather? It’s so frozen, it’ll last longer than you think, but obviously, it’ll melt faster the warmer it is outside.”
Here is the Snow Factory in action:
The Snow Factory also uses less water than normal snowmaking machines – by a wide margin. Normally using over 450 litres a minute to produce snow, the new machine uses between 60 and 80 litres a minute. However it does require more energy to work and is considerably more costly – nearly £350,000 compared to just over £25,000 for traditional equipment.
The machine was trialled last month at a California resort near Lake Tahoe.
The company has said when it built the Snow Factory, they did not see it as a replacement for traditional snowmaking equipment. It was made as a way to complement conventional snow guns for use during special events and unique situational needs. They foresee the equipment being a great way to host races, improve slope coverage in lower elevations, or improve existing skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Soon, maybe the equipment may also contribute to making your ski holiday in Meribel an even better experience.