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A Utah ski resort is the first in the world to have installed a snow-making system that uses a mineral called feldspar, which is "very abundant and efficient" because of its ability to cause water droplets to freeze, according to a press release.
The technique, which is expected to reduce energy use by 30% and water consumption by up to 90%, is being tested at La Molina ski resort in Spain.
Snowmaking involves spraying water and compressed air into the atmosphere to create artificial snow.
It's an expensive process, with resorts using nearly 478,000 megawatt-hours of electricity and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce artificial snow in a year, according to a report from the Global Warming Policy Institute.
But resorts are looking for alternative methods to make their operations more sustainable.
"With warmer temperatures leading to less natural snowfall, ski resorts are investing in snowmaking technology to ensure consistent snow cover on their slopes," the report states.
"This technology allows resorts to supplement natural snow and extend their skiing seasons....
However, snowmaking can be energy-intensive and costly....
Snow farming can be particularly beneficial for ski resorts that experience unpredictable snowfall patterns or rely on early season snow to kick off their skiing seasons."
In the US, ski resorts