With AI now a fixture in almost every aspect of our lives, it was only a matter of time before it made its way onto the ski slopes. This is particularly true for resorts, which—both in France and abroad—are increasingly turning to smart technology to better manage their ski areas, infrastructure, and guest services.
An increasingly essential technology
Admittedly, skiing might not be the first industry that comes to mind when you think of AI, and its impact isn’t always obvious to the casual holidaymaker. However, AI is now working behind the scenes to improve your skiing experience, enhance safety, and, crucially, manage snow cover and resource optimisation.
For many skiers, snow reliability is where AI proves most useful. By combining historical data with local weather forecasts, humidity levels, and cold snaps, smart algorithms—fed by sensors on the ground—can predict “natural” conditions in real time. Furthermore, it allows resorts to calculate the exact amount of artificial snow required for each run. This ensures optimal distribution: just the right amount, exactly where it’s needed, without wasting the water or energy required for snowmaking.
Safety and crowd control
Another vital area seeing significant improvement is safety. AI is already being used to bolster avalanche prevention by analysing snowpack layers alongside climatic data to better anticipate risks and protect the public.
Then there are the ski lifts—occasional sources of accidents—and areas of the mountain deemed high-risk. Using “smart” cameras that monitor real-time situations at both the departure and arrival stations, any anomaly can be detected instantly, including equipment malfunctions. This allows the AI to intervene by slowing or stopping a chairlift or drag lift if a danger is identified, alerting staff for human intervention if necessary.
Finally, much like at airports or other busy hubs, AI is being tasked with managing the flow of crowds. This is a real win for reducing queues, as it allows resorts to adjust lift speeds or suggest quieter sectors to skiers via mobile apps. Between interactive kiosks around the resort and dedicated apps, skiers now have 24/7 access to all the information they need to make the most of their time on the snow.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
