As winter approaches, ski resorts across North America scramble to prepare their slopes for eager visitors. At the forefront of this preparation is snowmaking—a vital process that allows resorts to open earlier and maintain a reliable snow cover throughout the season. Keystone Resort in Colorado has emerged as a leading figure in this technological advancement, pushing for innovation while emphasizing sustainability.
Snowmaking: The Backbone of Skiing Season
It was the Friday before Thanksgiving when I found myself atop Dercum Mountain, gazing down at the intense activity of Keystone’s sophisticated snowmaking operation. The air temperature hovered just above freezing, while a mobile fan gun pumped out snow-bringing water droplets downhill. Watching these droplets crystallize, I could sense the thrill of the mountain operations directors, Kate Schifani and Kolina Coe, who passionately discussed the importance of snowmaking technology.
Indeed, ski areas nationwide are racing to optimize their snow production capabilities, aiming to secure a solid snow base earlier in the season. This ensures the attraction of visitors even before natural snowfall begins. Keystone boasts an impressive arsenal of 672 fixed and mobile snowmaking guns, covering about 40% of its skiable terrain. This substantial coverage allows Keystone to manage seasonal uncertainties caused by climate shifts, ensuring a reliable opening each year.
Technological Advancements: A Game Changer
Keystone’s commitment to improving its snowmaking capabilities became evident with the stationing of 53 modern machines and new pipelines deployed across a two-mile stretch designated for early season openings. This upgrade has drastically altered the resort’s opening timeline, bringing it forward from the historical dates of late November to an earlier average of October 27. Coincidentally, this positions Keystone as one of Colorado’s frontrunners in early season skiing alongside neighboring resorts like Loveland and Arapahoe Basin.
The evolution of snowmaking equipment hasn’t gone unnoticed; it serves as a compelling narrative for the ski industry’s resilience against climate-related challenges. Schifani explains how newer technology allows them to achieve better results with fewer resources. This efficiency extends beyond just financial gains—it supports the broader mandate for climate responsibility that resonates throughout the ski community.
Keystone’s parent company, Vail Resorts, has set clear and ambitious climate goals. With the successful achievement of 100% renewable electricity across its 37 North American facilities over the past two years, Vail aims for a net-zero operational footprint by the year 2030. This commitment includes addressing waste and fossil fuel usage alongside the snowmaking process.
Automation is a significant part of this sustainability strategy. The capability to monitor weather conditions and automatically adjust snowmaking equipment allows for precise timing and optimization of snow production. Nick Daly, Keystone’s snowmaking controller, described an interface that displays real-time conditions at different snowmaking stations. The automated system can switch machines on and off based on optimal weather conditions, offering immediate responses which drastically reduce energy waste and ensure the highest quality snow product.
Currently, approximately half of Keystone’s snowmaking equipment operates autonomously, and recent expansions have further improved efficiency. Neighboring Vail Mountain has reported an impressive 85% increase in energy efficiency since installing new automated systems. This trend towards automation and sophisticated technology serves as a blueprint for future developments in snowmaking, ensuring sustainability isn’t sacrificed for performance.
Innovations in snowmaking not only serve the operational efficiency of resorts like Keystone but also contribute to an improved experience for customers. With fewer uncertainties around opening dates and snow quality, visitors can confidently plan their skiing trips. This predictability is essential for building customer loyalty and promoting growth for ski resorts amid an unpredictable climate landscape.
Schifani succinctly captures this interplay within the resort’s strategy: “If we can ensure certainty around that October opening here at Keystone, our guests can expect that they’re going to be able to ski, they’re going to keep coming, we’re going to grow our industry, and it’s a win for everybody.”
Keystone Resort exemplifies the blending of cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility, ensuring that the spirit of skiing endures and thrives. By investing in snowmaking capabilities and embracing sustainability, they not only enhance their own operational reliability but also set an example for ski resorts everywhere. As climate change continues to impact winter sports, the proactive measures of resorts like Keystone will be crucial in preserving the joy of skiing for future generations.