Snow cannons and reservoirs: How Swiss resorts’ winter equipment could help put out wildfires
Snow Cannons and Reservoirs: Swiss Resorts Fight Wildfires
Winter Equipment for Summer Fire Defense
Poinews.com – Swiss ski resorts are repurposing their winter infrastructure to combat rising wildfire threats. Snow cannons and reservoirs, traditionally used to create artificial snow, now serve a critical secondary role in firefighting efforts across the Alpine region. As European heatwaves intensify, destinations like Adelboden are transforming their snowmaking systems into emergency water networks.
Climate change has accelerated glacier retreat throughout Switzerland, making snowfall patterns increasingly unpredictable. The Adelboden-Lenk complex, with approximately 200 kilometers of trails between 1,000 and 2,300 meters elevation, relies on artificial snowmaking for roughly 70 percent of its winter coverage. This extensive infrastructure includes 210 snow cannons and 50 snow lances connected through an underground pipe network stretching dozens of kilometers.
During warmer months, reservoirs capture rainfall and melting snow, storing this vital resource for both snow production and potential firefighting use. When flames threaten nearby forests, the system can rapidly establish wet buffer zones to slow fire progression, giving ground crews and helicopter water tankers crucial time to respond.
Local Perspectives on Fire Preparedness
"We can help firefighters with our infrastructure," explains Jürg Klopfenstein, who oversees snowmaking operations at Adelboden. "Not primarily with our snow cannons, which can mainly be used to water the fields or aim them at surrounding infrastructure. But firefighters can use our infrastructure, and helicopters can refill their tanks using our water reservoirs."
Switzerland has avoided the catastrophic blazes that have engulfed neighboring countries this year. Nevertheless, drought conditions persist, and officials classify wildfire risk as elevated across nearly the entire nation, including the Bern region where Adelboden sits. Stefan Buchs, operations manager at Adelboden-Lenk, notes that varied vegetation types and soil moisture levels prevent direct comparison with southern European fire patterns.
"Widespread wildfires are a likely scenario," Buchs acknowledges. "We discussed this with the firefighters, and they recognised it already. They see that humidity is a real problem. It gets really dry even in the spring. Not just in the summer."
Mayor Willy Schranz emphasizes long-term preparedness: "We must be prepared, because I am sure it won't be the last summer like this one."
Expert Views on Sustainable Solutions
Nathan Solothurnmann, a climate change specialist with Greenpeace, cautions against overstating the potential of snowmaking systems as wildfire tools. "This watering system that they're planning in Adelboden might for sure help for a while," he observes. "But of course the changes we're facing [are] much worse. All those types of adaptations, they just help for a while."
He further points out a geographical limitation: "In most parts of Switzerland, there are no pipes buried underground that we can use when a forest is burning."
"We can help firefighters with our infrastructure," says Jürg Klopfenstein. "Not primarily with our snow cannons, which can mainly be used to water the fields or aim them at surrounding infrastructure. But firefighters can use our infrastructure, and helicopters can refill their tanks using our water reservoirs."
"This watering system that they're planning in Adelboden might for sure help for a while," notes Nathan Solothurnmann. "But of course the changes we're facing [are] much worse. All those types of adaptations, they just help for a while."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do snow cannons help fight wildfires? Snow cannons can be redirected to spray water on surrounding infrastructure and fields, creating protective barriers around buildings and vegetation during fire events.
What role do reservoirs play in firefighting? Reservoirs store rainfall and melting snow throughout the year, providing helicopters with accessible water sources to refill their tanks when battling forest fires.
Are Swiss resorts fully prepared for major wildfires? While Switzerland has avoided catastrophic blazes so far, officials classify wildfire risk as elevated nationwide. Resorts like Adelboden have discussed scenarios with local firefighters and are developing contingency plans.
Can snow cannons and reservoirs solve Switzerland's wildfire problem? Experts suggest these systems provide temporary relief rather than permanent solutions. The infrastructure helps for a while, but climate changes may require more comprehensive adaptations in the future.