snowmaking

American  

[snoh-mey-king] / ˈsnoʊˌmeɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. the creation of artificial snow at ski areas.

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Etymology

Origin of snowmaking

First recorded in 1950–55; snow + making

Example Sentences

Unable to depend on natural snowfall, about 80 percent of ski areas in the Southeast and Midwest, nearly 50 percent in the Northeast, and 10 percent in the West now rely on snowmaking.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

More than 90 percent of Italy's ski slopes use artificial snowmaking systems, with Roccaraso's the largest in the country, according to environmental group Legambiente.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Waterman’s prospective owners say they intend to bring in snowmaking, which could expand a season from a couple of weeks to almost half a year.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024

Resorts favoring faux snow may rely on "technical snowmaking" practices like artificial snow production, but regardless, the authors predict that the economic profitability of ski resorts will fall globally.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 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