The Challenges of Snowmaking in The Face of Climate Change

As you may know, the ski industry is highly affected by climate change. Seasons vary more than ever, and temperature swings in a single day are becoming the norm. Running a snow-dependent resort is getting more complex every year. It’s been a long time since we could rely on natural snow alone to deliver the ski conditions our guests expect. That’s why our snowmaking systems operate at full capacity as soon as the first cold snaps hit in the fall. But even those cold windows are becoming shorter (and less predictable) each season.

Proactive Measures and Technological Adaptations

Our teams are proactive and are constantly on the lookout for changes in weather. They prepare the equipment according to the forecasts to maximize efforts on the ground. To be best adapted to climate changes, we’re constantly studying new technologies and investing in more energy efficient infrastructure. Our new machines can operate at higher temperatures, using less water, and create perfectly crystallized snow no matter the temperature. The rain and wind are what most affect the skiing conditions, since they can create a compacted snow surface. It then lies on our excellent grooming team to compensate for what Mother Nature sends our way!

Along with temperature, snowmaking is also influenced by humidity levels: if the air is more humid, colder temperatures are needed to make snow. With our new guns, it takes temperatures of around -2°C to operate when it is more humid. This is common at the start of the season, when Lake Tremblant is not yet frozen. Days reaching a threshold of 0°C average daily temperature are considered days with good snowmaking potential. However, snowmaking is only reasonable if it can compensate for the potential loss. In order to not make snow in vain, we have to assess whether the window of cold is not followed by too much rain, strong winds or much warmer temperatures.

Financial and Ecological Considerations

All this technology comes at a significant financial and ecological cost. Today, a good percentage of expenses are dedicated to snowmaking; for energy, personnel, maintenance and upgrades. On the ecological side, we are lucky at Tremblant to have several natural accesses to water and an environment that is favorable to the cyclical renewal of water. It comes from Lac Tremblant and Rivière du Diable and naturally returns there when the snow melts. In addition, we operate on renewable energy using hydroelectricity.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

However, even with technological advances in snowmaking tools, the loss of season forecasts could turn out to be very high if global greenhouse gas emission rates do not decrease. This is why we, with the City of Mont-Tremblant, are working very hard at the local level with organizations like Protect Our Winters Canada (POW) to save our white winters. In 2020, Tremblant became the first Canadian resort to join the POW program. Since its creation in 2018, this growing movement has united businesses, professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts advocating for global solutions to climate change.

According to Tremblant’s director of the sustainable development department, Nathalie Dandoy:

“Tremblant has already demonstrated proactivity in researching and implementing eco-responsible solutions to help future generations enjoy the same pleasures that we are entitled to today. But the experts are clear on the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and each of us has a responsibility to take action without delay. Every gesture counts and we encourage our guests, team members, suppliers, partners and community to demonstrate real commitment and to become actively involved so that the joys of winter last a very long time.”

Sustainable Initiatives at Tremblant

For over 20 years, Tremblant has been taking concrete steps to promote environmentally responsible practices across all our activities. Numerous initiatives have been implemented in circular economy practices, including waste management, sustainable mobility through the electrification of transport, responsible tourism, community support, and climate innovation, particularly in energy conservation.

Tremblant remains committed to protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for skiing, so that generations to come can continue to enjoy the mountain and the beauty of its winters.
See our major achievements