The Slovenian Ski Association, together with the Pokljuka Organising Committee, proudly participates in the international European project SIEPPUR – Sustainable Snow Management, which over the past three years has been dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for efficient snow management in the context of climate change. The project was launched in response to the increasing unpredictability of natural winter conditions affecting winter sports across Europe and the world.
The project brought together key actors from the fields of sport, science, local communities, and energy. In addition to the Slovenian Ski Association and the Pokljuka Organising Committee, project partners include: the International Biathlon Union (IBU) as the lead partner, Sweden’s innovation hub for sports and outdoor activities Peak 63, the leading Swiss research institution for snow, avalanches and winter sports WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), the Swedish Biathlon Federation and its event arm Svenskt Skidskytte AB (SSSAB), the Polish Biathlon Association (PZB), and the Sustainable Mountain Alliance (SMA), a Swiss-based international non-profit organisation that promotes the transition to sustainable sport and tourism in mountain regions and shares innovative solutions for adapting to climate change.
Final Event: Sustainable Snow Summit 2025
After three years of collaboration, knowledge exchange and testing innovative approaches, the SIEPPUR project will conclude with the Sustainable Snow Summit 2025, taking place on 7 May 2025. The summit will bring together experts, researchers, sport professionals and event organisers to discuss the future of snow sports in the context of a changing climate.
Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required to secure your place.
Register here
For those unable to attend in person, a live online stream will also be available.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Snow Management
The core mission of the SIEPPUR project has been to develop comprehensive, long-term sustainable strategies for managing snow that are environmentally friendly while ensuring reliable conditions for competitions and training in the decades to come. Sustainable snow management covers all phases – from snow production, storage, and transport, to preparation and maintenance of ski courses in varying weather conditions.
Particular emphasis was placed on the efficient use of resources such as water and electricity and on reducing the environmental impact. The project promoted the introduction of modern snowmaking technology, infrastructure optimisation and the use of renewable energy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions – one of its key objectives.
Machine-Made Snow – A Necessity and an Opportunity
With all Biathlon World Cup competitions now held on machine-made snow, the project focused on ways to make the process more efficient and environmentally neutral. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy for snow production, using natural water sources within permitted limits, and harnessing ponds and cascades as natural cooling systems were among the core recommendations.
These solutions not only reduce the environmental footprint but also ensure more predictable and stable conditions for winter sports events – something of vital importance for event organisers like Pokljuka.
Snow Storage – Bridging the Seasons
In addition to snowmaking, the project also focused on developing best practices for summer snow storage, a method that has been in use since the early 2000s. Today, many Nordic and biathlon centres store snow from the previous winter to ensure reliable conditions at the start of the new season.
Efficient storage requires appropriate covering materials, such as wood chips, sawdust, or other insulating layers, to preserve as much snow as possible – ideally between 70 and 90 percent. The project also explored alternative materials to find the best balance between insulation performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of handling. In parallel, a snow distribution concept was developed based on historical temperature and melting data to optimise snow use.
A Lasting Commitment to Sustainability
The Slovenian Ski Association and the Pokljuka Organising Committee remain firmly committed to sustainable development and continue to contribute actively to finding solutions that will allow future generations to experience the magic of winter sports – in harmony with nature.
