With annual snowfall in the American Midwest steadily decreasing with each year, resort managers across the continent are hoping to pad the ground with 180 million gallons of "sewage snow," a powder derived from reclaimed waste water.
Artificial snow is typically made from a hydrated artificial polymer, although it unfortunately doesn't feel very convincing to the touch. As a result, sewage snow has taken the spotlight as the best alternative to actual snow -- it's thicker, fluffier and made from toilet discharge. The Snowbowl Ski Resort in Arizona as well as a number of lodges in Australia have already deployed the waste water on their slopes, much to the chagrin of locals and visiting skiers.
Despite being perfectly clean, snow derived from treated sewage is largely reviled by the public. It's certainly understandable, but when climate fluctuations prevent natural snow from falling, will devoted skiers and vacationers continue complaining? It's doubtful.
Sewer Powederd Ski Slopes
Vacation Lodges Resort to Deploying Sewage Snow on Their Hills
Trend Themes
1. Ski Slope Wastewater - Ski resorts and lodges may begin to use reclaimed wastewater snow as a sustainable alternative to artificial snow and a dwindling supply of natural snow.
2. Sustainable Snow Solutions - The use of reclaimed sewage water provides a model for future sustainable solutions in snow sports that mitigate the effects of climate change and snow scarcity.
3. Public Perception of Wastewater Snow - The use of sewage snow raises concerns about public perception and may require innovative marketing and messaging strategies to shift perceptions and build acceptance.
Industry Implications
1. Wastewater Treatment and Management - Opportunities exist for businesses involved in wastewater treatment and management to supply sustainable snow solutions to ski resorts and lodges.
2. Ski Resort and Lodge Management - Managers in this industry can explore the use of reclaimed wastewater snow to reduce snow-making costs and the environmental impact of artificial snow, while also addressing climate change-related snow scarcity.
3. Marketing and Communications - Expertise in marketing and communications may be required to help shift public acceptance towards reclaimed wastewater snow and build a more positive public perception of the product.