Alpine resorts’ snowmaking equipment may be put to work fighting summer forest fires
The resort says its reservoirs and 210 snow cannons could help create wet buffer zones and buy time for firefighters during high wildfire risk.
- The Adelboden-Lenk resort in Switzerland is exploring how to repurpose its snowmaking infrastructure to combat forest fires, using reservoirs and underground pipes to create wet buffer areas during dry summers.
- Authorities assess wildfire risk as high across Switzerland, including the Bern region where Adelboden is located, as climate change and retreating glaciers in recent years make dry, dangerous summers more frequent.
- Pipes and pumps connect 210 snow cannons and 50 snow lances across the area; Klopfenstein, responsible for snowmaking operations, explained that firefighters can access water reservoirs and infrastructure to refill tanks or protect surrounding areas.
- Stefan Buchs, the operations manager at Adelboden-Lenk, noted that "widespread wildfires are a likely scenario" in the Alps, though Greenpeace expert Nathan Solothurnmann cautioned that such adaptations only offer temporary relief without broader infrastructure.
- Adelboden Mayor Willy Schranz said, "We must be prepared, because I am sure it wont be the last summer like this one," emphasizing the need for sustained readiness against recurring dry conditions.
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ADELBODEN, Switzerland (AP) — You can barely see snow above Adelboden under the intense August sun, let alone skiers. But the Swiss station could have a new way to take advantage of its manufacturing equipment.
The Independent
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The Toronto Star
Alpine resorts’ snowmaking equipment may be put to work fighting summer forest fires
ADELBODEN, Switzerland (AP) — There's barely any snow in sight above Adelboden in the intense August sunshine, never mind skiers. But the Swiss resort may have a new way to put its snowmaking equipment to work as Europe bakes through…
Associated Press News
Alpine resorts' snowmaking equipment may be put to work fighting summer forest fires
Alpine resorts may have a new way to put their snowmaking equipment to work as Europe bakes through hot summers: helping douse forest fires.
Since July, Switzerland has been at the highest risk of forest fire. New measures should help in the event of an emergency. This includes the use of the infrastructure for snow cannons.
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