Few sports rely more on Mother Nature than skiing. But what happens when she isn’t so kind? Luckily for ski resorts, there’s technology to help. They can make their own snow, so long as the temperatures are right. We’ll learn more about how that works today on WCNC Weather IQ.

Weather

With the first ski lift turning around the corner in October and the last run wrapping things up on July 4, a lot rides on Mother Nature for the success of winter businesses. And none more so than the skiing industry, which relies on snow to keep their slopes open and the tourists coming in.

But it’s not just the season that’s in question: As our planet continues to warm, climate change is making it harder and less predictable for ski resorts to rely on natural snow. That’s why some resorts are investing in snow-making technology that allows them to make their own powder, if needed.

Some of these machines are actually smart, with onboard weather systems that allow them to “read” the forecast and only turn on when it’s cold and dry, which means they use less energy and water than older versions. The technology is so advanced that it’s now used at the Winter Olympics. WBZ-TV’s Brittany Van Voorhees takes us into the world of making man-made snow, including how it’s a big part of the 2022 Games in Beijing.

Temperature

Few sports rely so much on Mother Nature for a good season than skiing. And while technology helps resorts make snow when there’s not enough natural snow, they need cold temperatures to do it.

And if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, American ski towns will see their number of days with freezing or below-freezing temperatures decline by weeks or even months, according to new research. Reducing carbon emissions will slow the decline, but it won’t stop it altogether.

While many skiers acknowledge climate change is happening, the industry has a mixed record when it comes to supporting political efforts to reduce global GHGs and promote renewable energy. Some resorts are working hard to educate guests and policy makers about the science, while others are donating money to support climate change denier political campaigns.

Wind

The mountain topography in and around ski resorts can create a variety of weather scenarios that generate heavy snowfall. These are generated mostly by wind, but also by other factors such as temperature and moisture. One of the most critical factors is the direction of the wind. Wind coming from the west, or from the southwest or northwest of the ski area can generate ideal conditions for optimum snowfall. Similarly, wind from the north or east can produce bad skiing conditions.

At night, the slopes of hills that are covered in snow or ice cool by radiation. This causes the air in contact with those slopes to become cooler and denser. This results in katabatic wind (sometimes referred to as “mountain breeze”). This wind blows up the slopes, carrying cold dense air into warmer valleys. This process is called orographic lift and it can be the key to big snowfall at ski areas.

However, not all slopes can receive this kind of wind and moisture, especially in the west where there is a lot of dry air. Consequently, some ski resorts need to make their own snow. This requires certain weather conditions to be successful – the colder and drier the better.

This kind of snowmaking creates an additional disturbance to wildlife habitats near ski slopes. The noise of the snowmakers as well as the skiers themselves can scare wildlife away and reduce the quality of their habitat. This is a problem because alpine habitats above the tree line are already threatened by global climate change.

Despite these environmental concerns, most ski resorts remain committed to sustainability. Some even offer programs that allow skiers to learn about a resort’s green initiatives. This is a good thing, but skiers need to do their part by not overusing the mountain and being mindful of the impact they have on the environment.

Snow

The white stuff that skiers and snowboarders crave is light, fluffy snow created by super cold atmospheric temperatures. But climate change is causing that natural snow to become heavier and more concrete-like, and there are fewer days when it can fall.

The result is that ski areas are increasingly relying on artificial snow to extend the skiing season. And that means more greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere—a problem for the environment as well as the resort's bottom line and the 46,000 year-round jobs it supports in Colorado alone.

While snowmaking is a vital part of the industry, it isn’t perfect. Aside from releasing greenhouse gasses, it also uses a lot of water. Some resorts can extract water directly from lakes or rivers, but others have to withdraw water over a longer period and store it in snowmaking ponds that may be farther away from the slopes. This can create environmental and logistical challenges, including regulatory obstacles for withdrawing that much water, especially if the watershed is already overtaxed by other demands.

Furthermore, a ski area’s snowmaking operation can disrupt alpine habitats and scare wildlife away from its areas. For example, ptarmigan—a type of grouse adapted to snowy habitats—in Scotland have declined over decades because they are frightened by ski lift cables and other equipment. In addition, skiers can disturb a wide range of plants and animals when they trample through snowy habitats, compacting soils, knocking down trees, and damaging vegetation.

Despite these concerns, experts agree that Mammoth Lakes resorts will continue to use artificial snow to lengthen the skiing season, especially in regions like the Rocky Mountains where winters are colder. But even here, the snowmaking industry is trying to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.

The good news is that, even with these changes in the natural environment, a skier can still enjoy a great day of skiing by choosing a mountain with plenty of snow and good trails. And by following some simple safety tips. But the most important thing to remember is to be aware of how the climate is changing and what that means for the skiing experience.