Santa Fe, New Mexico — October 9, 2025 — Snow Secure, a pioneer in large-scale snow storage and snowfarming solutions, has been named to TIME Best Inventions 2025 for enabling ski resorts to deliver reliable early-season skiing while reducing energy use and operational risk.
Picture: Installation April 2025 at Sun Peaks Ski Resort, BC, Canada. Downloadable version attached. (More images at www.snowsecure.com/pages/mediacenter)
Snow Secure’s patented approach allows ski areas to store snow through the summer and reuse it to build ski trails. Resorts using the system report up to 70% lower energy use than traditional snowmaking in early-season marginal temperatures, while improving reliability for opening weekends, training programs, and events.
“TIME’s recognition underscores how snow storage has become a key factor in securing reliable winter operations — not only across Europe but now throughout North America as well,” says Antti Lauslahti, CEO of Snow Secure. “This isn’t a concept or a stunt — it’s an operational tool that resorts are using today to open earlier and reduce risk.”
A turning point for resort operations
Shorter cold windows and higher energy costs are reshaping early-season planning across North America. Snow storage is moving from a niche experiment to core mountain infrastructure, giving resort teams a predictable base they can count on for first tracks, race lanes, lessons, and events.
“It’s no longer just about producing snow — it’s about preserving it efficiently and responsibly so you can deploy it exactly when and where you need it,” Lauslahti adds. “That’s how resorts de-risk openings and protect the guest experience. Payback time for the investment is extremely short, not to mention the brand risk a resort faces if it can’t open when skiers are expecting.”
How the system works
In late winter, resorts consolidate dense snowpacks at designated sites and cover them with Snow Secure insulation mats.
Results show that normally 80% of snow is retained under the insulation mats through the summer. The snow is produced at optimal cold temperatures, meaning early-season marginal temperatures are needed far less than before.
“Many resorts now make over 90% of their snow during optimal conditions, cutting both energy use and snow-making time by up to 70% compared with producing snow in marginal temperatures,” explains Lauslahti.
Picture: Situation in late September just before unmounting snow storage Sun Peaks Ski Resort, BC, Canada. Downloadable version attached
More images at www.snowsecure.com/pages/mediacenter
Already in use across North America
Snow Secure’s technology is already in use at several resorts in the United States and Canada, with additional installations planned for 2026. Projects range from early-season trail bases for public openings to race and training lanes and event snow surfaces.
About Snow Secure
Snow Secure develops and delivers sustainable snow-storage systems that ensure reliable snow conditions for ski resorts, competitions, and winter events.
The company combines Finnish engineering with practical mountain-operations expertise, offering complete planning, insulation, and snow management solutions.
Snow Secure operates in the United States through Snow Secure USA Inc. and elsewhere through Snow Secure Oy in Finland.
Snow Secure Media Center:
www.snowsecure.com/pages/mediacenter
Link to Time Best Inventions 2025 (Available October 9th at 9:30 ET )
https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/
Media Contact (primary)
Antti Lauslahti, CEO, Snow Secure USA Inc. / Snow Secure Oy, Finland
antti.lauslahti@snowsecure.com | (505) 557-2224 | WhatsApp +358 400 439 428
Kalle Palander, Sales Director, Snow Secure Oy, Finland
kalle.palander@snowsecure.com| +358 40 736 6123