Industry News
Located at higher elevations, ski areas typically have cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands due to decreased atmospheric pressure. Generally, for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation, a drop in temperature of 3.6°F can be expected, although weather conditions and humidity can change this lapse rate. For this reason, mountainous areas can offer relief for those looking to cool off during the summer.
Italy has seen temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C) this summer, causing many to seek relief in the Alps. Normally, the Alps feel comfortable in summer, but the recent heatwave has sent temperatures soaring even in the mountains, with temperatures at Mont Blanc, which straddles the Italian-French-Swiss border, exceeding freezing temperatures for a consecutive 33 hours for the first time in history.
Aprica Ski Resort in the Sondrio region, just across the border from Switzerland, has experienced temperatures rising above 80°F (27°C) this week, forcing the resort to take unprecedented action. Guests arriving at the upper mountain cafe Italy were doused with water vapor from the resort’s snowmaking guns. Hikers and mountain bikers expressed their gratefulness while enjoying a refreshing cool down in the water vapor.
Usually, snow guns are used in the winter for snowmaking to complement natural snowfall. Now, they could serve another purpose in the summer. This was the first time Aprica had used the snow guns in the summer months.
The tactic was used as temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have reached record levels as the summer heatwave approaches its peak, known as ‘La Canicola’ in Italy. The Med is currently 7.2°F (4°C) warmer than usual. Tropical fish have increased in the sea as the local stock has died off, unable to handle the heat. Algae has also multiplied in the Adriatic Sea, causing fishing nets to get clogged and deterring swimmers and recreational users.
Across Italy, many are finding unusual ways to stay cool, with some tourists spotted swimming in the canals in Venice, while others took a plunge in the Trevi fountain in Rome-neither of which is allowed. Aprica’s solution to cool down guests with snow cannons seems almost tame in comparison. So, maybe it won’t be the last time the resort applies this strategy and other resorts will follow.
