Key Takeaways
- Snow Secure’s patented snow‑storage technology is being adopted by more than 10 North American ski resorts in just two years, including Soldier Hollow (2034 Winter Olympics venue) and Aspen Snowmass.
- The system stores snow made during optimal winter conditions, then insulates it in spring, achieving an average retention rate of about 80 %.
- By reducing the need for energy‑ and water‑intensive late‑autumn snowmaking, resorts cut operating costs, conserve resources, and improve early‑season guest experiences.
- Snow Secure has completed nearly 20 installations in North America and over 150 worldwide in the past four years, with each resort capable of hosting up to ten storage units.
- The company’s largest project is at Levi Ski Resort in Finland, which stores a volume 30 times larger than a standard pilot and guarantees the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opening each November.
- Partnerships with SMI Snowmakers are helping Snow Secure meet rising demand, and discussions are underway with roughly 80 additional North American resorts for future deployments.
Introduction to Snow Secure’s Snow‑Storage Solution
Snow Secure, a Finnish‑engineered firm, has introduced a patented snow‑storage system that captures natural snowfall during the coldest months, piles it in designated areas, and covers it with specialized insulation blankets through the spring and summer. By preserving snow that would otherwise melt, the technology creates a reliable “snow bank” that resorts can draw upon when early‑season conditions are unfavorable. This approach diverges from traditional snowmaking, which relies heavily on electricity and water to produce artificial snow in marginal temperatures. The result is a more sustainable, cost‑effective method for ensuring ski‑able terrain throughout the winter season.
Adoption Across North America
In just two years, over ten North American ski resorts have integrated Snow Secure’s system into their operations. Notable early adopters include Soldier Hollow in Utah—the site slated for freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Olympics—and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado. Luke Bodensteiner, general manager of Soldier Hollow, described the installation as “contingency planning for a bad winter in 2034,” highlighting the strategic value of having a snow reserve for high‑profile events. Chris Miller, senior vice president of sustainability and advocacy for Aspen One, emphasized that the investment reduces reliance on early‑season snowmaking, yielding meaningful water and energy savings while enhancing the guest experience during the crucial opening weeks of the season.
How the Technology Works
The core of Snow Secure’s offering lies in its simple yet effective process: snow is produced or collected during peak winter conditions when temperatures are low and humidity is optimal. This snow is then moved to prepared storage sites, where it is piled and insulated with multi‑layer blankets designed to minimize heat transfer and sublimation. The insulation retains the snow’s crystalline structure, allowing an average retention rate of roughly 80 % through the melt season. When natural snowfall is insufficient, resorts can excavate and redistribute the stored snow onto slopes, providing a consistent base without the need for additional snowmaking cycles. This method not only conserves water and electricity but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with operating snow guns and compressors.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
By shifting snow production to the heart of winter, Snow Secure’s system dramatically cuts the energy and water demands typically linked to late‑autumn snowmaking. Traditional snowmaking can consume thousands of gallons of water per acre and require substantial electricity to chill and pressurize water, often sourced from fossil‑fuel‑heated grids. In contrast, stored snow leverages naturally frozen precipitation, eliminating the need for energy‑intensive refrigeration. Resorts report lower utility bills, reduced strain on local water supplies, and fewer emissions—benefits that align with growing sustainability expectations from guests, regulators, and investors. Moreover, the reliability of early‑season snow cover helps resorts maintain consistent opening dates, which is vital for tourism revenue and employee scheduling.
Scale and Global Reach
Snow Secure’s impact extends far beyond the Rocky Mountains. The company reports that it has completed nearly 20 successful installations in North America and more than 150 worldwide over the last four years. Each resort can deploy up to ten individual snow‑storage units, allowing for flexible scaling based on terrain size and snowfall variability. The firm’s largest project resides at Levi Ski Resort in Finland, where the system stores a volume approximately 30 times greater than a standard pilot installation. Levi has relied on Snow Secure for eight consecutive years, using the stored snow to guarantee the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opening each November—a testament to the technology’s durability and performance under demanding conditions.
Partnerships and Market Expansion
To meet accelerating demand, Snow Secure has partnered with SMI Snowmakers, a leading manufacturer of snow‑production equipment. This collaboration integrates Snow Secure’s storage expertise with SMI’s snowmaking capabilities, providing resorts with a comprehensive solution that spans production, storage, and deployment. Antti Lauslahti, CEO of Snow Secure, noted that the company’s first three North American pilot programs from the previous season have all expanded their orders for the current year. Furthermore, Snow Secure is currently engaged in discussions with roughly 80 additional resorts across the continent, indicating a robust pipeline and signaling a potential market breakthrough for the coming seasons.
Future Outlook and Industry Implications
As climate variability continues to challenge traditional ski‑season expectations, technologies like Snow Secure’s snow storage are poised to become integral components of resort resilience strategies. By decoupling snow availability from short‑term weather fluctuations, resorts can better plan for long‑term operational stability, attract early‑season visitors, and fulfill commitments for international competitions. The environmental advantages—particularly water and energy conservation—also position snow storage as a compelling element in broader sustainability initiatives, such as carbon‑neutral goals and eco‑certification programs. Continued innovation in insulation materials, storage logistics, and predictive analytics could further enhance retention rates and reduce costs, making snow storage an even more attractive option for resorts worldwide.
Conclusion
Snow Secure’s patented snow‑storage system offers a pragmatic, sustainable answer to one of the ski industry’s most pressing uncertainties: unreliable natural snowfall. With rapid adoption across North America—exemplified by installations at Soldier Hollow, Aspen Snowmass, and numerous other resorts—and a proven track record at sites like Levi Ski Resort in Finland, the technology demonstrates clear operational, financial, and environmental benefits. As partnerships expand and more resorts evaluate the solution, snow storage is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a more dependable and eco‑conscious future for winter sports.