Last year was a howler for the Scottish skiing and snowboarding resorts, and Glencoe suffered as badly as any of them. With only 32 days suitable for any kind of snowsports, it was their worst season on record.
“The Snow Factory can turn water into snow even in 25C temperatures, and can produce as much as 100 cubic metres of the stuff per day”
Rather than muddling through and praying for more snow next year, they’ve launched a crowdfunder to purchase a TechnoAlpin Snow Factory, which has the potential to make a massive difference. The Snow Factory can turn water into snow even in 25C temperatures, and can produce as much as 100 cubic metres of the stuff per day.
By stockpiling the snow in November and grooming it from early December, Glencoe could aspire to having what no Scottish resort has ever had before: a guaranteed opening day.
Some of the initial scepticism has understandably centred around whether using energy to create artificial snow is only adding to the problem that has led to such poor winters. However, with reduced need for the use of diesel-guzzling piste-bashers, and the fact that it’d only see intensive use for a few weeks pre-season, it looks like it’d save energy in the long run.
There’s also a new three-man chairlift on its way to Glencoe, and the combination of the two could make it the safest bet for a good day’s riding in Scotland.
