This series will provide a variety of insights into Japan's ski resorts, providing detailed, enthusiastic commentary. The third installment focuses on snow machines and snowmaking machines, which help start the season early and address the issue of lack of snow. In the second part, we will introduce some fascinating aspects of snow machines and snowmaking machines, such as ski resorts that use them to start the season earlier than anywhere else, and the background behind this
Part 1 is here
Behind the scenes at Snow Town Yeti, the earliest snow town to open in Japan every year
For many years, Snow Town Yeti in Shizuoka Prefecture has held the prestigious title of "Japan's earliest opening ski resort." Since 1999, it has not lost this title to anyone else. Every year, the opening day is covered by various media outlets and is broadcast on television. Many people have probably seen the news
Formerly known as "Japan Land HOW Ski Resort," the resort has since been renamed "Snowtown Yeti" and has since focused particularly on early opening. The area at the foot of Mt. Fuji where the ski resort is located can get as cold as -10°C in the middle of winter, but it doesn't snow very often. Therefore, operating the ski resort is virtually impossible without snowmaking machines. The snowmaking machines are the unsung heroes of the early opening.
There are a total of four snowmaking machines, from the base to the middle of the slopes, and every year, starting about 10 days before opening, they operate 24 hours a day, with operators working in three shifts to create snow. Currently, they are in the midst of preparations for the opening on October 30th, and the snowmaking machines are running 24 hours a day. It is said that they use about 500 to 600 tons of water per day. Since 1 liter of water is about 1 kg, 500 tons is 500,000 liters. It is an unimaginable amount of water that is used.
In the process of creating a course using snow-making machines, it is not possible to create enough snow to cover the entire course at once, so the snow is piled up in the order it is made. When the weather is sunny and the temperature rises, the older snow melts from the bottom up. To prevent this, the snow is covered with a cover to prevent direct sunlight from hitting it, but the mountain still gradually shrinks. Rain, wind, and typhoons are also natural enemies
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, the second ski resort in Japan to open in the 2020-21 season,
On November 3rd (Tuesday, a national holiday), Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort will open, the earliest in Nagano Prefecture and the second earliest in Japan. Along with Yeti, it is synonymous with the start of the season. From October 10th (Sunday), eight snowmaking machines will begin full operation, and at the time of opening, the Kurinoki course, which is approximately 400m long, and the Prince slope are expected to be open for skiing.
Approximately 450 tons of snow will be produced per day, and in the 24 days from the start of work on October 10th until the opening, approximately 6,000 cubic meters of snow will be produced. Until the opening, the snowmaking machines will be used regardless of the temperature. Snowmaking work will continue even after the opening of the season, with the aim of opening all nine courses by the end of the year.
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort owns eight snowmaking machines and a whopping 195 fan-type snowmaking machines. They make snow with the snowmaking machines from October to November, and switch to snowmaking machines from mid-December
How much do these amazing snow machines and snow making machines cost?
Just how much do these amazing machines that can create a skiable area from absolutely no snow and even make a ski resort possible cost?
●Fan-type snow machine
Fan-type snow machines are expensive per machine, but they can make a lot of snow at once and are energy-efficient. They come in two types: large, electrically powered and hydraulic. The electric type costs around 6 million yen (reference price) per unit, while the hydraulic type, with its portability, is considerably more expensive at 13 million yen (reference price). They also have a long lifespan, with models from several decades ago still in use
Gun-type snow machine
The unit price of a gun-type snow machine is approximately 1.5 million yen (reference price). This is significantly cheaper than a fan-type snow machine. It can work reliably even at high temperatures (-1 to 3°C), but it requires a large amount of air, which increases running costs. Also, due to the capacity of each machine, it is necessary to install many units
However, new models known as "stick type" and "low air type" have achieved energy savings, and the cost situation is changing as machines evolve
●Snow making machine
The running costs of a snowmaking machine are significantly higher than those of a snow machine. A 50-ton plant costs a surprising 90 million yen (reference price)
Artificial snow cannot be made without securing water
Artificial snow is made from water, and it takes a lot of water to make or create a large amount of snow (several hundred liters per minute per machine)
While riding the lift, you might overlook the artificial ponds thinking, "Wow, that looks cold," or "I'd hate to fall in there," but the water that collects in these ponds is the source of artificial snow. Because it is an artificial pond, the water is mainly drawn from nearby streams, and in some cases well water
But why doesn't the water in that reservoir freeze at cold ski resorts? Of course, it's because they're designed to keep it from freezing. Pumps are used to stir the water inside and prevent it from freezing. Securing this reservoir and water is a major challenge when introducing new snow machines or snowmaking machines. Ski resorts are generally located on top of mountains. This means that nearby streams are narrow and there isn't much water. Furthermore, you can't just draw water from the stream. Only once these physical and social issues are overcome can artificial snow become a reality
It costs so much money!
The "costs" mentioned above only apply to the machines. Securing water and electricity is also an issue when operating snowmaking and snowmaking machines. As a result, the costs vary greatly from ski resort to ski course. When installing new equipment, huge costs must be estimated. Maintenance costs are also required
Incidentally, the cost of making snow with a snowmaking machine is 7-8 yen/m³, while with a snowmaking machine it's 40 yen/m³. This shows just how high the running costs of snowmaking machines are. Therefore, it is cost-effective to use snowmaking machines when the temperature and humidity are not suitable for snowmaking, and snowmaking machines when the conditions are suitable.
For example, the running cost of operating the eight snowmaking machines at Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (7 machines of 50t each + 1 machine of 100t each = a total of 450ts/8 machines) for one day is about 400,000 yen. A simple calculation of the 24 days it takes to prepare for opening using eight snowmaking machines comes to 8.8 million yen.
Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort usually switches to snowmaking machines around the middle of December.
Ski resorts that rely heavily on artificial snow
In addition to Yeti and Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort, there are many ski resorts in Japan that rely heavily on snow machines and snowmaking machines. These are places where the weather conditions are generally cold but not much snow
Located in Sakudaira, the home of Kashiyama Kogyo, Saku Ski Garden "Parada" is in a unique location, directly connected to the expressway. Here too, there is often only snow on the slopes
Many of the ski resorts in the Yatsugatake area accessible from the Chuo Expressway also fall into this category. Furthermore, many ski resorts in the Chubu and Kansai regions also rely on snowmaking machines for their operations.
Conversely, some ski resorts boast 100% natural snow. Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture is a prime example, as are Hakuba Cortina and Okushiga Kogen. On the other hand, even ski resorts with heavy snowfall, such as Kagura in Niigata Prefecture, sometimes install snowmaking machines, perhaps to ensure stable operations.
summary
Snowmaking machines are incredible unsung heroes that support an early start to the season, ensure stable ski resort operations, and help mitigate snow shortages. The costs, energy, and effort of those involved in getting the season off to a fast start are unimaginable. Thanks to them, the long-awaited season is finally beginning!
Let's go skiing!
Interview and photo provided by:Kashiyama Kogyo Co., Ltd.,Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort,Snow Systems Co., Ltd., Snowtown Yeti(in alphabetical order)
He has published his work. Currently, he also holds the title of "Showa Culture Researcher" and engages in writing and editing activities in various genres besides skiing. He occupies the most indoor position in the outdoor world and the most outdoor position in the indoor world.
https://www.d-mizorogi.com/
*Also recommended: "The Road to Becoming a Ski Resort Maniac" series
