Innovative snow blankets help Sun Peaks protect snowpack and extend the ski season, offering a smart solution to rising temperatures in Canadian resorts.
Sun Peaks Turns to Simple Yet Effective Technology to Preserve Snow
As ski resorts across the globe grapple with the consequences of climate change, British Columbia’s Sun Peaks Resort is pioneering a surprisingly simple yet promising solution. Nestled near Kamloops in B.C.’s Interior, Sun Peaks has introduced 18 massive snow blankets to shield its valuable powder from the summer heat.
The resort’s new strategy draws from European innovations, specifically a snow preservation mat developed by Finnish firm Snow Secure. Spanning 300 feet, this insulated covering is designed to maintain snowpack viability even as temperatures climb.
From Finland to Canada: Bringing Snow Blankets Across the Atlantic
Originally adopted in European ski destinations around the early 2000s, these snow-saving blankets are constructed using extruded polystyrene and equipped with real-time temperature sensors. Sun Peaks is the first Canadian resort to use them at this scale.
Crews gathered snow during the past winter and relocated it to higher elevations before covering it with the protective mats. Once autumn arrives, the preserved snow will be redistributed across ski runs, allowing alpine athletes to begin training earlier than usual.
A Game-Changer for Local Athletes and the Resort Economy
For local ski cross racer Euan Currie, the benefits are already clear. “It’s fantastic — we can stay home and save some money,” he said, noting that earlier snow access could mean a competitive edge during the season.
In past years, Currie would travel to Europe to find training grounds with early snow coverage. Now, with this method, the advantage may be found right at home.
Climate Pressure Demands New Investments
The snow blanket initiative is more than an athlete’s convenience—it’s a strategic response to shifting climate patterns. According to CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe, the spring snowpack in B.C.’s southern Interior mountains has decreased by 20–40% since the 1970s, with projections suggesting further losses of up to 40% by 2035.
Sun Peaks operations director Duncan Currie, who helped lay the blankets, said the system could preserve up to 80% of the snow even during extreme summer temperatures reaching above 30°C. Each mat covers an area equivalent to four football fields, a significant amount of terrain that could extend the resort’s season.
A Strategic Investment in the Future of Snow Sports
The resort invested $180,000 into this initiative, a sum they view as vital to the long-term viability of their ski operations. With season pass holders and visitors expecting consistent snow coverage, the blankets offer a layer of confidence—literally and figuratively.
Sun Peaks communications director Christina Antoniak anticipates a meaningful start to the season. “I think it’s going to be a very milestone day,” she said, referring to the unveiling of the preserved snow in the fall.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more innovations shaping the future of Canada’s winter sports.
