2024 was the hottest year on record for Earth’s average surface temperature. The 2024 record broke the previous record that was set just the year before in 2023.
If you love outdoor activities that rely on snow, you may have already had a few less days to enjoy those activities as less snow is falling each year. In fact since 1973, snowfall has declined 2.7% globally.
But some ski resorts are trying to protect the snowbase between seasons by covering the snow with blankets during the summer season. Resorts in Switzerland, Italy and Canada are using large blankets (the size of multiple football fields) to protect against heat, wind and rain. The blankets keep the air temperature low around the snow to reduce the melt-off.
The hope is these blankets will allow the resorts to open some runs earlier and as well, preserve some of the snow base each year.
Take a look at this video showing the blankets in use.