Idaho’s non-profit ski area, Bogus Basin, shared information related to an experiment with Snow Secure, a snow storage technology created in Finland.
In April of 2025, mountain staff gathered snow from around the mountain and created a massive mound on the lower Coach’s Corner run. The snow pile, measuring 300 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 30 feet deep, was then covered in insulation panels. Temperatures reached as high as 119°F over the summer, but the underlying snow remained at or around freezing temperatures.
The stored snow was uncovered on October 9th, and the majority of the original pile remained. It’s not enough snow to cover Coach’s Corner this year, but the experiment showed the technology’s potential and mountain operations are working on plans to expand the program.
“We learned a lot with the Snow Secure pilot program. We intend to expand, using this innovative technology to eventually allow us to open up our first chairlift on stored snow on a planned date each year.” – Austin Smith, Director of Innovation and Marketing
Snow Secure was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, acting as a solution to ski and snowboard areas that desire greater control over snow conditions. It’s built with white polystyrene mats, insulating the snow while simultaneously shielding it from warmer outside elements. The techn has been used successfully in Scandinavian countries for over a decade.
By working to preserve snow, the water and electricity consumption required to open up ski resorts in early season is cut by 70% on average. At an area like Bogus Basin, where November has been warmer than usual this year, the program could lead to a set opening date on an annual basis, rather than being forced to wait until the weather allows for snowmaking.
