Innsbruck Study Shows Snowmaking’s Carbon Footprint Can Be Near Zero With Renewable Energy

Context The research, led by Günther Aigner et al., analyzed snowmaking data from the 2022‑23 and 2023‑24 seasons in Austria. It was published in the journal *Environmental Research Letters*. The team measured fuel and electricity use at resort snow cannons and converted it to CO2 equivalents.

Key Facts Annual snowmaking emissions ranged from 6,246 to 7,424 tonnes of CO2. Per skier visit, emissions were 120 to 140 grams of CO2. The study notes that these figures are not inherent to snowmaking but shift dramatically with the electricity mix.

What It Means When snowmaking draws from Austria’s renewable‑heavy grid—mainly hydropower—the direct carbon footprint approaches zero. In contrast, regions relying on fossil fuels see far higher emissions per flake. The findings suggest that resorts can neutralize snowmaking’s climate impact by switching to wind, solar, or hydro power, or by installing on‑site renewables.

Watch for increased adoption of on‑site solar arrays and green power purchase agreements at ski resorts over the next two years, as well as policy incentives that tie lift ticket pricing to renewable energy use.