Snowmaking machines tested at Levi resort in Finland

In Kittilä’s Levi resort, many autumn leaf-peepers were surprised on Tuesday as the snowmaking machines were tested at the base of the slopes, despite temperatures still being in the double digits. Jouko Majava, the snowmaking manager for Levi, observed how the snow guns function. “Snowmaking isn’t possible yet due to the warm weather. Our goal is to test the snowmaking system. We are checking the pump stations, the water lines leading to the snow guns, and the guns themselves, effectively troubleshooting any issues,” he explained. Majava noted that the initial tests of the snow guns showed promising results.

This is the second test of the snowmaking equipment this fall. “Almost all the snow guns are operating well, with a few exceptions that we can fix. Currently, we are waiting for spare parts from Italy. There are 26 electric snow guns at the front slopes and approximately 300 in total,” he added.

Levi and Ruka in Kuusamo traditionally kick off the skiing season first in Finland. The season opening is just a couple of weeks away in early October and is not dependent on the snow guns as there is a sufficient stockpile of stored snow. “The slopes will open on time as promised. Right now, the team is removing the covers from the stored snow, and as soon as that’s done, we’ll begin spreading the snow,” said Majava.

Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander noted that September has been unusually warm across Finland, with temperature deviations in Lapland ranging from 4-6 degrees above the long-term average. As the week progresses, cooler weather is expected. “The ideal conditions for snowmaking require light frost,” Majava added. “We can produce snow at temperatures between 1-1.5 degrees Celsius, but 5-10 degrees below zero is optimal for good results.” Last year, the first snowfall in Levi occurred on September 19.