Ski Jasper Alberta News

Mont-Sainte-Anne New Ecological Snowmaking System

As part of its constant efforts to help protect the environment, Mont-Sainte-Anne is teaming up with Hydro-Québec, the provincial energy provider, to install the first low-energy snowmaking system in Eastern Canada. This project involves a $1.2 million investment to significantly improve snowmaking in the resort’s trails with minimal impact on its natural surroundings.

“As the first ski area in Quebec to develop a partnership like this with Hydro-Québec, Mont-Sainte-Anne is both clearly showing its clear environmental conscience and making its mark as the innovator in this field in Quebec. The announcement of our brand new, more ecological snowmaking system only reinforces Mont-Sainte-Anne’s leading reputation for quality and its exceptional snow conditions,” said Guy Desrosiers, Eastern Canada Vice-President for the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies group.

This agreement comes as part of Hydro-Québec’s new energy efficiency initiative and will enable Mont-Sainte-Anne to acquire a new fleet of 285 snow guns that includes high pressure tower snowmakers, portable high pressure snowmakers, and other low pressure models. The “green” technology used in the system involves the installation of a new, low energy centrifugal compressor that puts the emphasis on water pressure, not air pressure. This means that 10 other, less efficient compressors can soon be eliminated.

“This new system is more powerful and uses 50% less energy than the old system, while also eliminating any oil residue from the air. Thanks to this investment, we will be able to offer local and visiting skiers and boarders access to more snow-covered trails right from the holiday period,” Mr. Desrosiers concluded.