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Swiss Ski Resorts Fight Fires With Snow Guns
13 Aug
Summary
- Ski resort snowmaking infrastructure can be repurposed for wildfire response.
- Water reservoirs and underground pipes can supply water for firefighting.
- This adaptation offers a temporary solution to climate change impacts.
Ski resorts in Switzerland are adapting their snowmaking infrastructure to assist in combating an increasing wildfire risk, particularly in areas like Adelboden-Lenk.
This mid-altitude resort, which relies heavily on artificial snow for its 200 kilometers of slopes, possesses an extensive network of underground water pipes and reservoirs. These facilities, usually for producing snow during winter, can now be used to support firefighting efforts.
Jürg Klopfenstein, responsible for the resort's snowmaking, explained that while snow cannons might not be primary firefighting tools, the water infrastructure is invaluable. Helicopters can refill water tanks, and the system can create wet buffer zones to slow fire progression.
This initiative comes as Switzerland, despite not experiencing large-scale fires this year, faces high wildfire risk due to drought. The Bern region, where Adelboden is located, is particularly vulnerable.
While this adaptation can provide immediate assistance, climate change experts caution that such measures are temporary. Nathan Solothurnmann from Greenpeace highlighted that these adaptations offer only short-term relief, as the underlying climate changes are far more severe.
Even so, local authorities emphasize the need for preparedness. Adelboden Mayor Willy Schranz stated, "we must be prepared, because I am sure it won't be the last summer like this one."
