Is Man-made Snow Easier or Harder to Ski On? (Let’s Find Out)

by Simon Naylor | Published: May 18th, 2023 |  Skiing Articles

Have you ever hit the slopes and found yourself skiing on man-made snow? Perhaps you've noticed a difference in the texture and wondered if it affects your skiing ability. Or seen canons blasting out fresh snow and wondered how it compares?

Resorts love man-made snow because its easier to groom and maintain a snow base. The texture can vary depending on the conditions but generally it holds up better throughout the day and provides a decent skiing experience, if a little dense.

The Science of Snowmaking

While natural snow is formed by cold air and moisture, man-made snow is created with the help of specialized snowmaking machines - known as snow cannons. These machines force water and compressed air through a nozzle, breaking the water into tiny droplets and creating a mist. When these droplets are exposed to the cold air, they freeze and fall to the ground as snow.

However, the process of creating man-made snow is not as simple as it may seem. In order to create the perfect snow for skiing, snowmakers must monitor the temperature and humidity levels and adjust the water-to-air ratio accordingly. This ensures that the snow is the right texture and density for optimal skiing conditions.

They also need a large supply of water and have to pay a hefty electricity bill to keep them running.

The Characteristics of Man-made Snow

While man-made snow may look similar to natural snow, it actually has some unique properties that set it apart. Man-made snow is often denser than natural snow, meaning that it may be more difficult to ski through. Additionally, the temperature of man-made snow tends to be colder, which can affect the way it behaves when you ski on it.

One advantage of man-made snow is that it is typically more consistent in its texture and density than natural snow, which can be affected by wind and other weather conditions. Some skiers even prefer man-made snow because they feel that it is easier to carve through than natural snow.

The Advantages of Man-Made Snow

If you've ever skied on man-made snow, you may have noticed that it is typically more consistent than natural snow. This is because it is made by snow machines that can produce snow in a controlled environment. Man-made snow is also better equipped to withstand warm temperatures, making it a reliable option for skiing late into the season.

Another advantage of man-made snow is that resorts can produce it on-demand, whereas natural snow can be unpredictable. This means that ski resorts can ensure that there is enough snow on the mountain for their guests to enjoy, regardless of weather conditions (although they still need the right temperature otherwise the machines won't work effectively).

The Drawbacks of Man-made Snow

One of the primary concerns with man-made snow is that it can be very slippery, especially in icy conditions. This can increase the risk of injury for skiers and snowboarders.

In addition, man-made snow can also have a different texture than natural snow, which can make it more difficult to ski on. Some skiers fnd that their skis slide differently on man-made snow.

Despite these disadvantages, man-made snow is still a popular option for ski resorts, especially in areas with a shorter ski season or unpredictable snowfall. It provides a reliable way to ensure that guests can ski and snowboard throughout the winter season. It gives the main pistes a solid snow base - which means natural snowfall also lasts longer.

Skiing on Natural Snow vs. Man-made Snow

When it comes to skiing, there's nothing quite like the feeling of gliding down a mountain covered in fresh, powdery snow. The sensation of speed and control that comes with carving your way through layers of snow is simply unmatched. But is there really a difference between skiing on natural snow versus man-made snow?

While natural snow has a unique texture and composition that can add to the excitement of a ski run, it is largely unpredictable. The conditions can vary greatly depending on recent weather patterns and snowfall. Man-made snow, on the other hand, can be manufactured in a controlled environment, and skiers can usually expect a consistent texture and overall experience.

Yes - it's fine for many skiers, but honestly nothing beats real fresh snow!

Skiing on Packed Man-made Snow

When it comes to skiing on packed man-made snow, there are a few challenges that you need to be aware of. Firstly, packed man-made snow tends to have a much icier surface compared to natural snow. This can make it difficult to control your speed, as well as execute turns with precision. Additionally, packed man-made snow is often denser, making it harder to push your skis through and maneuver as you ski down the slope. However the weather conditions when the snow was made is crucial to it's texutre.

One common technique that skiers use when skiing on packed man-made snow is to shift their weight towards the downhill ski, rather than evenly distributing their weight across both skis. This can help you maintain control and avoid slipping on the icy surface. Another key to skiing on packed man-made snow is to keep a lower center of gravity, which can help you stay balanced and maintain control even on the toughest terrain.

The Impact of Weather on Man-made Snow

While man-made snow is a great option for skiing in areas where natural snowfall is minimal, it is still susceptible to weather conditions. Temperature, humidity, and wind can all affect the quality of man-made snow and impact your skiing experience. When temperatures are warmer, man-made snow can become slushy and sticky, making it harder to control your skis. On the other hand, when temperatures are extremely cold, man-made snow can become hard and icy, which can result in a more challenging skiing experience.

Humidity levels can also impact man-made snow, as dry air can cause the snow to be more powdery and soft, while high humidity can result in denser and icier snow. Wind can also play a role, as it can cause snow to blow away and create bare patches on the slope.

The Role of Grooming in Man-made Snow Skiing

If you've ever skied on a groomed run, you know how much easier it is to navigate the terrain. And when it comes to man-made snow, grooming plays an even more important role. The process of grooming involves flattening, packing, and smoothing out the snow. This creates a surface that's easier to ski on, especially at higher speeds.

Grooming also helps to remove any potential hazards, such as rocks or other debris that may have been incorporated into the snow during the snowmaking process. This can make skiing on man-made snow much safer than skiing on natural snow, which can often have hidden obstacles.

Most ski resorts have grooming machines that are specifically designed to groom man-made snow. These machines use various tools, such as rakes and tillers, to break up the snow and then pack it down to create a smooth surface. Without proper grooming, man-made snow can be difficult to ski on, as it can be chunky and uneven.

The Cost of Man-made Snow

Creating man-made snow is a costly process, and the price can vary depending on the type of equipment and technology used. Ski resorts often have to invest in specialized snowmaking machines and infrastructure, such as pumps and pipelines, to produce enough snow to cover their runs. And with the increasing demand for man-made snow due to climate change, the cost of snowmaking is only going up.

Ski resorts must also take into account the ongoing maintenance and repair costs associated with snowmaking equipment. Any breakdowns can quickly lead to lost revenue and disappointed skiers. And with the pressure to stay competitive, a ski resort's ability to produce high-quality man-made snow is becoming more important than ever.

Despite the financial burden of producing man-made snow, it's clear that many ski resorts see it as a necessary expense. Without it, they risk losing business due to inconsistent snowfall and suboptimal skiing conditions.

The Environmental Impact of Man-made Snow

It's no secret that man-made snow has a significant impact on the environment. While it allows resorts to extend their ski season and attract more visitors, the process of making snow requires large amounts of energy and resources.

The machines used to produce snow consume both water and electricity. Further, the process requires chemicals such as potassium nitrate, urea, and sodium hexafluoride. These chemicals release greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. The use of fossil fuel-powered snowmaking machines also means that resorts are further contributing to climate change.

Sustainable Snow

Despite the environmental impact of man-made snow, it is here to stay in the ski industry. As snowfall becomes more unpredictable due to climate change, many resorts rely on snowmaking as a way to ensure that they can open every season.

However, technological advancements in snowmaking are being made. Some resorts are beginning to use more sustainable methods, such as using recycled water and sun-powered snow machines. These advancements should not only reduce the environmental impact, but also lower the cost of snowmaking.

Some resorts are making a conscious shift towards more sustainable snowmaking methods.

Skiing on Man-made Snow: Personal Preference

After all the discussion of the pros and cons of skiing on man-made snow versus natural snow, it still ultimately boils down to your personal preference. Your skiing experience, the type of terrain you prefer, and your tolerance for different skiing conditions will all dictate which type of snow you prefer to ski on.

If you are an experienced skier who loves the challenge of steep, icy terrain, man-made snow may be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you prefer softer, more forgiving snow, natural snow may be more your style.

It's also worth noting that different resorts have different techniques for making man-made snow, some resorts may use a higher water-to-air ratio, resulting in harder and icier snow, while others may use a lower ratio, resulting in softer and fluffier snow.

The Verdict: Is Man-made Snow More or Less Difficult to Ski on?

In my experience, man-made snow is generally more difficult to ski on than natural snow. While modern snow-making technologies have come far in recent years, natural snow still offers a variety of texture and consistency that man-made snow cannot replicate - especially at scale.

Man-made snow tends to be harder and denser than natural snow, making it more challenging to carve turns and maintain control, especially in varying conditions. I'm grateful for all types of snow - but nothing beats fresh snowfall.

About Us

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.