In mid-mountain, ski resorts are equipped to produce snow when it is lacking. This practice is questioned because it consumes water. We find here the snow cannons of Courchevel, Valberg and even Paris which organizes in summer 1955 ski jumping!
In Valberg, we can no longer do without the "new generation" snow guns. And even if the "culture" snow is a matter of debate, the director of the ski area, Bernard DUCATI, testifies to it: the challenge was to limit the ecological impact and reduce energy consumption.
Thirty years ago when it first appeared, artificial snow was considered a gadget. Today, it’s a huge business that guarantees the start and end of the season. But the use of "crop" snow is a debate, especially for its ecological impact.
The use of snow guns is now being questioned because of their high water consumption. In Courchevel and throughout the Trois Vallées area, the large number of snow cannons causes overconsumption in water. A legal regulation is under consideration. Interview with Dominique RAMBAUD, from ICALPE, about the misuse of water resources. Interview with Jean-Pierre PECCHIO, director of the Courchevel station, about the origin of the water used for the operation of the snow cannons.
To open their slopes throughout the winter season, medium altitude stations have been equipped with snow cannons. Example in Chalmazel in the Loire. Interview with the director of Chalmazel, Guy Ygnard, on the use of artificial snow: "There is no difference between natural snow and artificial snow".