Snow Storage With Snow Secure

SMI is Snow Secure's exclusive North American partner, bringing proven Finnish snow storage to resorts across the U.S. and Canada.

What is snow farming? Snow farming — also called snow storage — is the practice of collecting and storing snow at the end of one ski season to use at the beginning of the next. The process is simple:

  1. Snow is collected into large piles in the spring.

  2. Piles are covered with the SnowSecure insulation system through the summer.

  3. In the fall, the insulation comes off, and the snow is spread back out on the slopes. Ready to ski.

Long established at European resorts like Ruka and Levi, snow farming is now expanding rapidly across North America as a proven way to guarantee early-season operations.

*

Aspen Snowmass

*

Bogus Basin

*

Burke Mountain

*

Powder Mountain

*

Proctor Academy

*

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center

*

Sun Peaks

*

Tyrol Basin

*

Whistler Olympic Park

*

Ski Apache

* Aspen Snowmass * Bogus Basin * Burke Mountain * Powder Mountain * Proctor Academy * Soldier Hollow Nordic Center * Sun Peaks * Tyrol Basin * Whistler Olympic Park * Ski Apache

Benefits of Snow Farming for Ski Resorts

  • Guaranteed Season Start

    By having a reserve of snow, ski resorts can confidently set and announce their opening dates well in advance, regardless of early winter weather conditions. This provides certainty for both the resort's operations and the local economy, allowing tourists to book their trips in advance and businesses to prepare for the influx of visitors.

  • Reduced Environmental Impact

    Snow farming is a more environmentally friendly approach compared to relying solely on artificial snowmaking. It reduces the need for energy-intensive snow production, especially during the shoulder seasons when temperatures may not be ideal for efficient snowmaking.

    This translates to significant energy savings, with some resorts reporting up to 85% reductions in electricity consumption. Furthermore, it conserves water resources by reusing snow from the previous season, minimizing the need to draw water for snowmaking, which is particularly beneficial in areas with limited water availability.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

    While the initial investment in a Snow Secure system might seem significant, its long-term cost-effectiveness is undeniable. By drastically reducing snowmelt and the need for artificial snowmaking, resorts experience substantial savings on energy, water, and labor costs over time. Moreover, the system's durability and longevity translate to lower maintenance and replacement expenses in the long run.

  • Superior Snow Quality

    Snow preserved from the previous season retains its quality better than artificially-made snow. It tends to be denser and more resilient, providing a better skiing experience with improved grip and glide.

  • Real-Time Monitoring and Data Insights:

    Snow Secure goes beyond traditional snow storage methods by incorporating 24/7 temperature monitoring technology. Sensors embedded within the snow storage structure collect real-time data on temperature fluctuations, providing valuable insights into the conditions inside the snow pile.

    This data allows ski resort operators to proactively manage their snow storage, optimize insulation, and anticipate any potential issues before they arise. This data-driven approach ensures the highest level of snow preservation and helps optimize the overall efficiency of the snow farming operation.

  • Exceptional Snow Retention

    Snow Secure prides itself on having the "best snow retaining ratio in the market". This is achieved through the use of highly effective insulation materials like Finnfoam, which boast exceptional thermal insulation properties, effectively minimizing heat transfer and reducing snow melt during storage. Independent studies have shown that Snow Secure can reduce snow melt to as low as 10-20%, significantly outperforming traditional methods with losses ranging from 30-50%.

Works Even in Low Altitudes!

Daily 24-hour average temperatures can be even above 20 degrees (70 Fahrenheit)

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT IN TROMSØ, NORWAY 6.7.-26.8.2024  

Above the Insulation Mat / Outside Temp

Underneath the Insulation Mat Temp

Explore Case Studies

  • Sun Peaks, BC

    “Our technology helps combat unpredictable early-season weather with high quality, natural snow. Sun Peaks will save 1.5 million gallons of snowmaking water, which they will be able to use in other critical areas of their operation.”

  • Ruka, Finland

    Ruka Ski Resort, another early adopter of snow farming, relies on Snow Secure to guarantee snow for 200 days each winter for various skiing disciplines, including the FIS Nordic World Cup.

  • Levi, Finland

    Levi Ski Resort, a pioneer in snow farming, has partnered with Snow Secure since 2019 and invested heavily in their technology. They successfully hosted the FIS Alpine World Cup using snow preserved from the previous year, ensuring a world-class event despite unpredictable weather conditions

Seamless Implementation, Every Step of the Way

SMI and Snow Secure work alongside your existing mountain operations to ensure your crew is fully trained, completely confident, and supported at every stage.

Step 1 - Site Assessment & roi plan
Step 2 - Training & Installation Planning
Snow Secure Install at Sun Peaks
Snow Secure Install at Sun Peaks

For your first install, SMI technicians will be on site with your crew to guide, help, and answer questions.

Before opening day, Snow Secure offers training modules to prepare your operators for uncovering.

Your team leads the uncovering process, while SMI & Snow Secure teams stay available for support on site or by phone.

Snow Secure Install at Ruka, Finland

Before installation, every crew member completes short video training so everyone knows their role.

We also help your team with planning including how to shape the pile and where you can move the snow from.

SMI’s team works with yours to determine the best location for your Snow Secure system.

We assess your opening-day plans, high-traffic areas, slope grade, sun, drainage, and snowmaking setup to ensure maximum snow retention and ROI.

Step 4 - fall uncover & snow deployment
Step 3 - First install with both teams on site

Buy Snow Secure Technology Today!

  • Step 1

    Connect With Your Local SMI Representative

    Discuss your mountain’s challenges, goals, existing system, and priorities with the SMI representative who serves your region.

    Find Your SMI Sales Reps’ Contact Information Here

  • Step 2

    Planning Process


    SMI & SnowSecure’s teams will help you determine the best location for the mats on your mountain & the rest of the planning details.

  • Step 3

    Implement SnowSecure Mats in the Spring!

    After planning is complete and your team is trained, you’ll start your pilot in the spring.