Norwegian eco snow machines secure the future of skiing

  • Dan Cole

Norwegian researchers are developing a machine capable of simultaneously producing snow and heating homes, in a bid to save winter sports from the impacts of climate change. 

Globally, ski resorts are becoming increasingly dependent on expensive and environmentally damaging snow-making machines due to the warming climate.

These machines can only operate if the surrounding air temperature is below freezing, leaving many low-lying resorts abandoned.

Researchers at SINTEF, Scandinavia’s largest independent research institute, and at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) believe that an adaptation of the technology used in domestic fridges and freezers can solve this problem.

As one of Norway’s most popular sports – as well as a form of transportation during the winter months – it is hoped that these new machines that can produce snow in addition to heating homes, will protect the sport from rising temperatures.

The project is supported by a 2.3 million krone ($300,000) grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Culture which argues that skiing is engrained in the country’s culture.

Petter Nekså, Energy Research Scientist at SINTEF, said: “At higher temperatures, you need a refrigeration plant to make snow. The advantage is that this process is independent of air temperatures. One of the main aims of the project will be to find out how we can produce snow regardless of the outdoor temperature, and to develop energy-efficient ways of doing it.”

He went on to say: “In this way, we can heat indoor facilities while also making artificial snow for ski slopes outside – virtually cost-free.”

Jacob Stang, Researcher at SINTEF, said: “A traditional snow-production facility that makes snow at zero degrees outdoors has no ‘hot side’. That means we need a heat pump that has the properties of a refrigeration plant. We have to adapt components, such as an evaporator and condenser, to get them to work together.”

The project will be conducted in collaboration with the city of Trondheim,  where both SINTEF and NTNU are based, as well as the Norwegian Ski Federation (NSF).

The NSF hopes that the project will increase the likelihood of Norway hosting skiing world championships in the future.

Marit Gjerland, Ski Run Consultant for the NSF, said: “The challenges posed by climate change represent perhaps the greatest threat to ski sports. This is why we’re very pleased that this project is taking off. Good results from the project will mean a lot for the future of ski sports.”

The technology could also expand the horizons of the sport by bringing snow to places it would not usually be available.

Discover how technology can drive sustainable innovation in sport at our two day forum on the 22-23 February 2017. The event will bring together stakeholders and influencers who are engendering positive environmental impacts through sport. For more information and to register, visit the website by clicking here.