Man-Made Snow Conundrum

The increasing prevalence of man-made snow presents many issues to the modern day winter athlete. It is evident that winters have been shortening and temperatures rising causing many resorts and trail systems to turn to snowmaking. The issue is most noticeable when the 2022 Winter Olympics, the biggest winter competition in the world, relies solely on the use of snow blowers. In fact, the region hosting the Nordic racing historically gets low snow. This beggs many questions. What does it mean to be a winter sport, when natural snow is not even necessary? How much can we as a human race attempt change the natural weather patterns and change the planet to suit our needs?

It is ironic, to me, that ski resorts have become so reliant on snow making. The energy and water required to make snow only worsen the effects of climate change. In this way, ski resorts are only digging their own grave. This issue may show how capitalism may not be equipped to handle planetary problems. In theory, ski resorts should be on the cutting edge of environmentalism to prolong their business and profits. Unfortunately, most resorts are preoccupied with the short term problems and cannot see that their lifespan is quickly shrinking.

-Jamie Peacock