Bogus Basin Embraces Innovative Snow Storage Technology Ahead of 2025/26 Season
As the 2025/26 ski and snowboard season approaches, Bogus Basin has unveiled crucial details regarding its trial of Snow Secure, a cutting-edge snow storage technology developed in Finland, which has proven effective in Scandinavian countries for over a decade.
Recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, Snow Secure offers a contemporary solution for ski and snowboard resorts striving for enhanced control over snow conditions. Utilizing white polystyrene mats, the technology not only insulates stored snow but also protects it from summertime elements.
This innovation acts as a safeguard, ensuring dependable opening dates amid the unpredictability of climate change and late-season snowfall.
By facilitating the preservation of snow—storing it from one season for use in the next—this technique significantly decreases the water and energy required for artificial snow production. On average, it reduces early-season water and electricity usage by an impressive 70%.
“Our pilot program with Snow Secure has yielded invaluable insights. We plan to expand this technology, ultimately allowing us to open our first chairlift with stored snow by a predetermined date each year,” stated Austin Smith, Director of Innovation and Marketing.
In April, mountain officials collected snow from various sources on the mountain to form a substantial mound on the lower Coach’s Corner run. Measuring 300 feet in length, 80 feet in width, and 30 feet in depth, the snow pile was then covered with insulation panels.
Remarkably, while the surface temperatures of the reflective panels soared to 119º over the summer, the snow beneath maintained temperatures around freezing, underscoring the efficacy of the technology.
Upon unveiling the stored snow on October 9th, a significant portion of the original mound remained intact, validating the technology’s feasibility at Bogus Basin. Although the volume was insufficient to blanket Coach’s Corner this year, the mountain operations team is optimistic about the technology’s promise and is formulating plans to expand the initiative.
“From both an environmental and economic perspective, this is undoubtedly the next frontier for the North American ski industry,” emphasized Nate Shake, Director of Operations.
With November yielding warmer-than-average temperatures, the recreation area is enthusiastic about the prospective impact of the Snow Secure technology. The expansion of this program will enable guests to anticipate consistent annual opening dates.
“To complement the stored snow, the snowmaking team is ready to work tirelessly as soon as the weather permits,” remarked Rob Harms, Slopes Manager.
After extensive development, Snow Secure is poised for integration within North American ski resorts. Bogus Basin stands among the first two U.S. destinations to implement this groundbreaking technology.
As a non-profit organization, Bogus Basin is fortunate not to be beholden to private owners or shareholder interests, which may not recognize the long-term benefits of seasonal snow preservation.
Their mission—focused on delivering recreational opportunities to the local community—serves as the foundation that facilitates such innovations in the Treasure Valley
Source link: Snowindustrynews.com.
