Did not make it to Iceland although reps from Nevis Range and Glenshee did. Mixed messages on the effectiveness of snow making. We are hoping to host a return conference in Scotland next year.

I read in the Sunday papers yesterday about new snow making technology being used in Austria this winter - cheaper , no chemicals and can be made at very high temperatures. There is still, however, a big question mark over serious snow making in Scotland . It has not been discounted by any means - but lots to consider not least of all getting the money from somewhere- this would only be possible with a guarenteed returnon investment . Sensible researh is a starting point .

Bob

I had always wondered why snow cannons were not in use on Cairngorm, I just assumed there was a good reason why it had been discounted.

What was the outcome of the August seminar out of interest - do you think snow-making will be an option?

Well done with all your efforts to date at Cairngorm, the website is superb and I read your blog with avid interest. I think people have a real interest in how it all works behind the scenes. You must get bored with all the helpful suggestions though……….

John

Making snow in Scotland is technically possible and has been used successfully, at times, on a very limited basis, at both Glenshee and The Lecht. Whether use on a larger scale is practical or economic is still unclear without further investigation.

Snow making could be used to supplement snow cover, effectively fill gaps /complete runs, or it may be feasible to create entire runs of snow in the absence of natural snow.

Of all the ski destinations in Europe, Iceland has the most similar climate to Scotland (Artic maritime). Iceland has made considerable investment in snow making and this has apparently been very successful as part a strategy to develop a sustainable skiing economy. Iceland is also similar to Scotland in that it is serves a domestic ski market.

As part of a new initiative of collaboration and exchange, the North Atlantic Ski Areas Association (NASAA) has been established. Iceland has agreed to host a two day seminar in August to look at operating practices and snow making feasibility. Scottish ski areas have been invited to atatend.

Some Initial questions that would need to be considered are:

•Given the current changes in the climate, what percentage of a winter would it be feasible to make snow on Scottish Mountains (worst –best case scenarios)?
•Taking into account the most informed thinking on climate change trends, what would be the time frame for any significant changes to the climate that influence snow making feasible?
•What would the capital cost of snow making be? Wher would this come from?
•What are environmental implications of installing and maintaining the infrastructure?
•What are on going maintenance costs?
•How much water is required? How could this be captured , what are the SEPA/environmental implications of this ?
•What are the running costs? What is the electrical capacity required?
•Could the capital investment required be utilised in another way that would have a greater impact on sustaining operations on Cairn Gorm-
•The current market is around 150,000 skier’s days in a good year, how will demographic change impact on this market in terms of volume and behaviour?
•Easy jet culture has meant that a lot more Scottish skiers are travelling abroad, given the current global economics, oil price, exchange rates what would be the expected impact on the Scottish ski market?

food for thought

bob

john

bob