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I wonder if there is an environmentally sustainable solution to converting established ski resorts that become unviable due to climate change into indoor ski re
by ryan_j_naughton 4y ago
I wonder if there is an environmentally sustainable solution to converting established ski resorts that become unviable due to climate change into indoor ski resorts. Indoor ski resorts are already a thing but generally they suck[1]
Here is a ludicrous futurist thought experiment:
1) If the slopes could be covered in a building, similar to this:
https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/u-PEeOAFNhog5RDbemURPefJfko=/fit-in/1072x0/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer/57/8f/578f64fd-196c-414f-8634-801b2a573c8f/alpincenter.jpg https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/u-PEeOAFNhog5RDbemURPe...
2) If that building were highly insulated, but with the option to rapidly circulate outside air inside it (for use at night time, when the weather is colder).
3) If we could invent some new meta-material glass that allows infrared light to pass through it, then we could actually make this out of glass and still have the wonderful views on the mountain without incurring a huge greenhouse effect penalty for the transparency. In fact, if the glass is totally transparent to infrared and visible light LEAVING the covered slops, but slightly tinted for any light entering, then it would naturally be net cooler than the outside.
4) if the additional cooling required is powered by solar and wind.
5) Final ridiculous addition: Make these double paned glass roofs retractable so when real snow happens or the weather is cold enough, it is still outdoors.
Having the ability to still ski on the real slopes all year long would be great.
[1] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/eight-worlds-coolest-indoor-snow-parks-180974267/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/eight-worlds-coolest-i...
- twobitshifter 4y agoI would expect people will just have to drive farther to get to a mountain which is the case here. I don’t expect the added cost of driving another hour north to make it attractive enough to dome over and cool ski slopes.