Are big snow patches (see also: white triangle of death) the future? Kläppen Snowpark, located in Sweden, just announced their Autumn Snowpark, which opens on October 5th, 2023.
In this recent video, the park's operations manager Henrik Björk stands in front of a large pile of snow the resort was able to save from the Spring. Covering the remaining snow from the previous season with large white tarps, they were able to retain enough to work on building up Kläppen's pre-season snowpark with 14 features, losing only approximately 30% of snow to melting over the summer season.
Aerial view shows the snowpark, with additional snow being preserved in under tarps in the lower left corner
In the past month alone, we've seen seasons ending early (after delayed starts) in Australia, and a French Resort closing permanently as Europe experiences low snow years. It won't be long before resorts across North America begin to open for the season with white ribbon groomers and islands of snow with rails that draw in skiers.
Is this the future? Will more resorts adopt this snow preservation method that Kläppen has to extend their seasons?
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