Snowmaking is the production of snow by forcing water and pressurized air through a snow gun. It is mainly used at ski resorts to supplement natural snowfall. It is a relatively intensive and expensive process with respect to energy use,
and thereby limited.
Besides the noise pollution experienced by nearby residents and wildlife,
it is the source
of various ecological impacts.
Although the withdrawn water is returned into the environment with snow melt, water removal in winter must be avoided. In winter, at high altitudes, there is limited precipitation and thus running water in the mountains is low.
Snow gun water must be either carried or stored on site.
Storage facilities,
artificial ponds,
small dams and the network
transform the landscape.
