With climate shifts accelerating, snowmaking pump systems are now mission-critical to keeping ski fields open.
Snowmaking has evolved from a supplementary measure to a cornerstone of operations in Australian ski resorts, driven by sophisticated pump systems that ensure consistent snow cover amid climate variability.
Australia’s alpine regions are facing increasing climate variability, characterised by shorter snow seasons and reduced natural snowfall. Ski resorts can no longer depend on consistent snowfall to attract visitors or deliver viable operating seasons. In response, snowmaking has evolved from an occasional supplement to an essential service that underpins the viability of resorts.
Behind each perfectly groomed run is a highly engineered network of pumps, pipelines, and control systems that move massive volumes of water up mountainsides and across ski fields. From major operators such as Mt Buller and Thredbo to smaller resorts such as Corin Forest, snowmaking pumps are at the heart of keeping slopes open, safe, and skiable.
This shift has also reshaped the philosophy of snowmaking. As Mt Buller’s Snowmaking Manager, Paul Richmond, explained, “Our snowmaking system has gone from backing up natural snowfalls to being relied upon to create the base itself. It is almost a complete change.”
Australian snowmaking teams now operate with military precision, using advanced monitoring tools and highly efficient pump systems to produce the right snow, at the right time, in the right place. The modern snowmaking pump is no longer hidden infrastructure, but an essential driver of the ski economy.
Building the snow base: Modern snowmaking in Australian ski resorts
Snowmaking’s role in Australian ski resorts has undergone a significant shift in recent decades. Initially viewed as an occasional supplement to natural snow, it has become mission-critical. Without reliable snowmaking, many of Australia’s ski fields would struggle to deliver a viable season.
At Mt Buller, the history of snowmaking dates to the early 1970s, when a pilot system was tested on the Enzian run. Today, Mt. Buller operates four 300-horsepower multi-stage pumps, delivering up to 400 litres per second across 80 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort now manages 170 megalitres of water for snowmaking, supported by more than 300 snow guns, 80 per cent of which are fully automated.
Thredbo launched snowmaking in 1987. Before that, top-to-bottom skiing lasted just 20 to 30 days a season. With modern snowmaking, Thredbo now routinely achieves more than 100 days. Its fleet of more than 300 automatic guns can run up to 200 simultaneously, allowing precise snow management across the mountain.
Corin Forest represents a different model. Located near Canberra, it relies entirely on snowmaking, given the region’s low natural snowfall.
“We are a snow resort where it doesn’t snow,” said owner Dane Liepins. Since 2014, Corin Forest has expanded from one leased snow gun to nine top-tier snowmakers and two snow factories capable of producing 100 tonnes of snow daily.
Switching on the snow: Decision-making in snowmaking operations
Deciding when to activate snowmaking systems involves balancing weather conditions, operational targets, and economic considerations. Gone are the days when snowmaking was simply reactive. Today, it is a strategic process informed by weather forecasts, water availability, and visitor demand.
Mt Buller typically begins snowmaking two to three weeks ahead of the King’s Birthday long weekend, which marks the traditional season opening. Richmond explained that the resort uses detailed weather models to plan activations.
“We start with primary slopes first, using both our snow guns and all-weather snow factories,” he said.
At Thredbo, systems are placed on standby from early May. Test runs ensure readiness, and full-scale snowmaking commences when favourable cold snaps arrive. The resort’s supervisory control system monitors temperature, humidity, and snow depth in real time, helping to optimise when and where to make snow.
Corin Forest’s approach reflects its status as a small business.
“It’s pure maths,” Liepins said. “We calculate the cost to make snow and how many visitors we need to justify it.”
Balancing energy demands with operational realities
Beyond managing day-to-day energy demands, resorts must also ensure their pumping systems can perform under the full range of extreme conditions their Alpine environments impose. Snowmaking is energy-intensive. Managing power demand is critical for both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Resorts deploy a variety of strategies to control costs and minimise grid impacts.
Mt Buller utilises Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) on both pumps and compressors to reduce peak demand.
“We avoid making snow after 7 am whenever possible to reduce costs and grid load,” Richmond said. A large rooftop solar installation helps power the resort’s maintenance facilities year-round, contributing to its broader sustainability goals.
Thredbo operates on 100 per cent renewable electricity. Its snowmaking system consumes about three megawatts during peak operation.
“We adjust operations to fit off-peak tariff windows where possible,” Thredbo Snowmaking Manager Jonathan Batson said.
At Corin Forest, power management is an ongoing balancing act. “We can’t run everything at once,” Liepins said. “Fan guns are more efficient, so we prioritise them. Snow factories consume a lot of energy, so we use them very strategically.”
Ensuring performance in extreme conditions
Beyond managing energy demand on a day-to-day basis, snowmaking teams must also ensure their pump systems remain resilient across the full range of extreme conditions.
At Mt Buller, reliability starts with preventive maintenance.
“We conduct biannual vibration testing on all pumps,” Richmond said. The resort also keeps a comprehensive inventory of critical spares to minimise downtime.
Thredbo’s approach is similarly proactive.
“Proper summer preservation is critical,” Thredbo Engineering Manager Russell Nuridin said. Off-season servicing includes disassembling the pump, inspecting it, and performing performance testing.
Corin Forest’s small team focuses on keeping its equipment adaptable and well-maintained across all weather conditions.
“Snowmaking is inherently high-pressure work, often done in the dead of night,” Liepins said.
Efficiency, sustainability, and future directions
Pump efficiency delivers both cost savings and environmental benefits. With energy accounting for a large share of snowmaking expenses, even small improvements in pump performance can yield significant gains.
Mt Buller has embraced advanced software to track pump performance, energy use, and snow output.
“We can now calculate the cost per cubic metre of snow in real time,” Richmond said.
Thredbo has seen major gains from VSD upgrades.
“We replaced older throttle-controlled pumps with variable speed models,” Batson said. Future upgrades will focus on further optimising pump control and improving the thermal management of water.
Water sourcing, pumping distances and handling head pressure
Of course, none of this efficiency matters without sustainable water supplies to feed the pumps. Water sourcing is a critical element of snowmaking operations, necessitating careful management to strike a balance between operational needs and environmental responsibilities. Pumping distances and head pressure add further engineering complexity.
Mt Buller sources water from nearby creeks, springs, and rivers. Allocations are tightly controlled by Goulburn-Murray Water, with pumping restricted from November to July to protect natural flows.
“We often miss valuable spring rainfall because of these rules,” Richmond said.
Thredbo operates a near-closed-loop system. Water is drawn from a lake fed by the Thredbo River, then pumped to the mountain. Meltwater returns to the river.
Corin Forest enjoys a simpler hydraulic profile.
“We pump from a 2.5 megalitre dam just 15 metres up the hill,” Liepins said.
Collaboration across the snowmaking industry
Collaboration is a hallmark of Australia’s snowmaking community. While competition exists among equipment suppliers, operators across the resorts freely share knowledge to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.
“We all talk,” Liepins said. “It’s about sharing practical tips. The little things, like how you dry hoses, move snow guns, or maintain fittings, can make a big difference.”
Informal gatherings and end-of-season workshops foster this culture of exchange. “Every resort and team face different challenges. Seeing how others solve them is incredibly valuable.”
Mt Buller embraces a similar ethos.
“We participate in international workshops and have exchange programs with other mountains,” Richmond said. “Feedback from our teams is helping improve snowmaking technology worldwide.”
The resort also collaborates with global suppliers, influencing product development based on real-world Australian experience.
Thredbo likewise values peer collaboration. “Within the local operations community, there’s great cooperation,” Nuridin said.
However, competition remains fierce among equipment providers, given the small Australian market. “That side of the industry is very commercial,” added Batson.
This collaborative spirit ensures that Australia’s snowmaking teams remain at the forefront of global best practice. Whether through formal partnerships or casual conversations, the willingness to share knowledge strengthens the industry as a whole.
Beyond the slopes: Alternate uses of snowmaking equipment
Snowmaking infrastructure serves critical roles beyond the ski season. Increasingly, resorts are leveraging their pump systems for asset protection and emergency response, particularly in the face of bushfire threats.
At Mt Buller, this approach is well-established.
“We install sprinklers each summer to defend lifts and buildings from bushfires,” Richmond said. The system is set up well in advance of fire season, with snowmaking pumps repurposed to drive water through rooftop and perimeter sprinklers. “It gives us an additional layer of protection, particularly for high-value assets like lift stations,” he added.
Thredbo operates within Kosciuszko National Park, one of Australia’s most sensitive natural environments. The resort uses its snowmaking system to dampen vegetation ahead of advancing fires.
“It’s an innovative application that has had a significant impact,” Batson said. The ability to rapidly saturate vulnerable terrain helps slow fire fronts and protect both natural and built assets.
Corin Forest’s experience during the 2020 bushfires was a powerful example of this adaptability.
“We used our snowmaking pumps to feed irrigation sprinklers protecting our buildings,” Liepins said. “We were shooting water 40 metres into the air. It worked brilliantly.”
The success of this improvised system has led the resort to invest further in flexible connectors and hardware that can be quickly deployed in emergencies.
These examples highlight the broader value of snowmaking infrastructure. Beyond enabling winter operations, well-maintained pumps and pipelines can play a vital role in safeguarding resorts and their surrounding environments year-round.
Looking ahead: Innovations shaping the future of snowmaking
As climate patterns shift and snow windows narrow, Australian resorts are looking to innovation to sustain their snowmaking capabilities. Pump systems will continue to play a central role in this evolution.
At Thredbo, improving lance gun efficiency and enhancing water cooling are key priorities.
“Further cooling of pumped water can significantly boost snow production,” Nuridin and Batson said. This allows snow guns to operate more effectively at marginal temperatures, expanding the viable snowmaking window. The resort is also investing in all-weather snow factories, providing a reliable means of establishing base cover when traditional methods are not viable.
Mt Buller is pursuing multiple avenues to future-proof its operations. In addition to sourcing more flexible water supplies, the resort is investing in advanced pump controls and expanding its data analytics capabilities.
“We need to be adaptive,” Richmond said. “Improving pumping rates, efficiency, and water sourcing is critical to the future.” The ongoing pipe replacement program, using high-durability materials, will further enhance system performance and longevity.
At Corin Forest, Liepins is closely watching material science trends.
“High-grade plastic pipe could replace steel in parts of the system,” he said. “It would save time and money on future projects.”
The resort is also exploring ways to further optimise its use of snow factories, balancing energy demands with production needs.
Across the industry, regulatory flexibility remains a shared concern.
“Snowmaking is not traditional irrigation,” Liepins said. “We are building water reservoirs in the form of snowpack, which benefits the environment. Regulators are starting to understand that, but more work is needed.”
All agree that the future of snowmaking in Australia will be shaped by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless drive for efficiency. Snowmaking pumps will remain at the heart of this journey, sustaining the slopes and the communities that depend on them for years to come.
“It has gone from topping up natural snow to building the base itself,” Richmond said. “Every flake we make supports the entire local economy, from jobs to businesses to tourism.”
