Ski resorts are a popular winter destination, but they also have a significant impact on water resources. A team of researchers from the China National Institute of Standardization and Tsinghua University have developed a detailed model to quantify the water demand of ski resorts, both for snowmaking in winter and turf management in summer. Their findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between ski resorts and regional water resources, offering a roadmap for sustainable water management in these high-water-consuming service industries. The study also explores the potential for cooperation between ski resorts and agricultural irrigation, suggesting innovative ways to optimize water usage and reduce competition for this precious resource. With climate change posing increasing challenges, this research could have far-reaching implications for the future of the ski industry and the communities it serves. Ski resorts, water resources, snowmaking, irrigation, sustainability
the Water Demands of Ski Resorts
Ski resorts have become a popular winter destination, offering a unique blend of recreation, fitness, and tourism. However, these high-water-consuming service industries pose a significant challenge for water resource management, particularly in regions where natural snowfall is insufficient. To address this issue, a team of researchers from the China National Institute of Standardization and Tsinghua University have developed a comprehensive model to quantify the water demand of ski resorts, encompassing both winter snowmaking and summer turf management.
Snowmaking: The Thirsty Side of Ski Resorts
The study found that the theoretical water demand for winter snowmaking at ski resorts ranges from approximately 0.34 to 0.59 cubic meters per square meter of ski slope per year (m³/m²/year). This aligns with the national and local norm of water intake values, which typically fall within the range of 0.39 to 0.55 m³/m²/year. The researchers used a Monte Carlo simulation to analyze the factors influencing snowmaking water efficiency, revealing that the snow density after compaction has the greatest impact, accounting for 63.9% of the variance in water consumption.
Sustaining the Slopes: Summer Turf Management
Ski resorts don’t just rely on winter snowfall; they also require extensive summer turf management to preserve the terrain and landscape. The study found that the water demand for this purpose is approximately 0.12 to 0.30 m³/m²/year, a significant amount that is often overlooked. Proper turf management not only protects the ski slopes but also opens up opportunities for developing green ecotourism during the off-season.
Fig. 1
Balancing Act: Ski Resorts and Agricultural Irrigation
Ski resorts and agricultural irrigation often share the same water sources, particularly in mountainous or highland areas where water resources are limited. This can lead to competition for water, but the researchers also identified opportunities for cooperation. By collecting and reusing the runoff and snowmelt from ski slopes, ski resorts can provide a valuable source of irrigation water for nearby farmland, improving overall water resource utilization and reducing pressure on the local water supply.
Fig. 2
Towards Sustainable Water Management
The findings of this study provide a solid foundation for developing sustainable water management strategies for ski resorts. By understanding the water demand for both winter and summer operations, as well as the potential for cooperation with agricultural irrigation, ski resort operators and policymakers can make informed decisions to ensure the long-term viability of these popular winter destinations.
Looking ahead, the researchers suggest that future studies should focus on developing more efficient snowmaking techniques, exploring the impact of climate change on water demand, and further investigating water recycling and reuse technologies to enhance the sustainability of ski resorts and their surrounding regions.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Jialin Liu, Xue Bai, Yubo Zhang, Yan Bai, Rong Cai.
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