snowmaking

American

[snoh-mey-king] / ˈsnoʊˌmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

the creation of artificial snow at ski areas.

Etymology

Origin of snowmaking

First recorded in 1950–55; snow + making

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For Foster, it’s an assurance against opening day and temps in October and November that might be too warm for both natural snow and snowmaking.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Italy is the European country that uses the most artificial snow, with over 90 percent of Italy's ski slopes using artificial snowmaking systems, according to an April report from Italian environmental group Legambiente.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Towsley has expertise in the matter, having designed and installed snowmaking systems for ski resorts across the U.S., according to company documents.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024

“Vermont ski areas have some of the most powerful and efficient snowmaking systems in the world, which allows them to stockpile and distribute snow quickly,” Rivard said in an email.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2023

Some bacteria are so effective at promoting ice that they are put to work in products ski areas use for snowmaking.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023