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Ski Resorts Turn to 'Snow Farming' to Preserve Snow for Next Season
Amid declining snowfall, ski areas are experimenting with storing artificial snow over the summer to ensure reliable snow cover for the following winter.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:49pm
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Facing the West's worst snow drought in modern history, several ski areas are attempting a novel approach called 'snow farming' to preserve manmade snow for the next ski season. The process involves making artificial snow when conditions are ideal, then piling it high under an insulated mat through the summer. Ski resorts in Wisconsin, Idaho, and Utah are giving this technique a try as a way to extend the viability of skiing in the face of climate change and less reliable snowfall.
Why it matters
As snowfall becomes less reliable due to climate change, ski resorts are having to get creative to ensure they have enough snow cover to operate. Snow farming allows them to stockpile snow made in ideal conditions, providing a crucial backup when natural snowfall is scarce. This is especially important for smaller ski areas and venues that will host major events like the Winter Olympics, which are at risk of not having enough snow to hold competitions.
The details
The snow farming process involves making artificial snow when temperatures are cold and dry, then piling it two to three stories high and covering it with large, insulated mats. This shields the snow from sun and rain, allowing ski resorts to spread it back over runs when they're ready to open in the fall. The technology, more common in Europe, is finding a foothold in the U.S. as snowfall has become less reliable. Ski areas are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in specialized snow farming systems to ensure they can maintain reliable snow cover.
- This winter has seen the West's worst snow drought in modern history, with every major basin experiencing its warmest or second-warmest winter on record and having a snow deficit.
- Last year, Bogus Basin in Idaho was one of three North American areas to pilot a snow farming program, and was able to open in November despite its warmest November on record.
The players
Nate Shake
The director of mountain operations at Bogus Basin ski resort near Boise, Idaho, where snow farming is underway for a second season.
Luke Bodensteiner
The general manager of Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, a venue near Salt Lake City that is trying snow farming for the first time as it prepares to host cross-country ski events for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Antti Lauslahti
The CEO of Snow Secure, a Finnish company that sells the specialized mats and systems used for snow farming.
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
A venue near Salt Lake City that was originally built for the 2002 Winter Games and is now trying snow farming to ensure reliable snow cover for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Bogus Basin
A ski resort near Boise, Idaho that piloted a snow farming program last year and was able to open in November despite warm conditions.
What they’re saying
“It's going to extend the viability of skiing, especially for some of the resorts that are going to be on the margin as we have warmer winters and we get less snow.”
— Nate Shake, Director of mountain operations, Bogus Basin
“It's contingency planning for a bad winter in 2034.”
— Luke Bodensteiner, General manager, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
“The snow quality is better when you make it in cold weather. You make it really fast, you make a really good quality and you use less energy.”
— Antti Lauslahti, CEO, Snow Secure
What’s next
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is planning upgrades to its snowmaking equipment and hopes to expand its snow farming system, potentially having three to four snow piles ready by the summer of 2033 in preparation for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
The takeaway
As climate change continues to impact snowfall patterns, ski resorts are having to get creative to ensure they have enough snow to operate. Snow farming represents a promising new technique that allows them to stockpile high-quality artificial snow, providing a crucial backup when natural snowfall is scarce. This innovation could help sustain the ski industry in the face of a warming climate.
