The patented technology will help reduce water and energy demand at the beginning of the winter season

Aspen Snowmass has become the first location in Colorado to utilize Snow Secure insulation mats as part of a pilot program aiming to cover snow from the past winter in order to use it to bolster early season snowpack for the upcoming winter.

The patented technology has been applied to terrain parks on both Buttermilk and Snowmass Mountain, effectively covering 3.5 million gallons of primarily man-made snow water equivalent and keeping it insulated throughout the summer to prevent it from melting. As of Tuesday morning, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Aspen One Chris Miller told The Aspen Times that the temperature under the blanket at Buttermilk was 32.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

"This very much is a sustainability story," Miller said. "It's enough snow to hopefully give us a good early season start. In order for us to continue to ensure the world-class experience we offer locals and guests, it will require a host of tools in this climate resilient toolbox."

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Photo: The Snow Secure pilot program on Buttermilk.
Aspen Snowmass/Courtesy photo