The surprisingly low-tech way a B.C. ski resort is saving its snow [Video]

The Sun Peaks ski resort near Kamloops, in B.C.’s Interior, has a new tool to fight the impacts of warming temperatures: 18 giant, insulated blankets to help keep their powder cool during summer months.

The resort said its 300-foot long snow mat, believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, was developed by a Finnish company called Snow Secure. The company marketed the product as a way to ensure reliable early-season ski conditions amid warming temperatures.

Crews at Sun Peaks spent part of the winter harvesting snow and bringing it to a singular location high in the mountain. They then covered the pile to protect it from the summer sun.

When fall comes around, they’ll begin distributing the snow in order to make full runs, available for alpine teams to train on.

“It’s fantastic … we can stay home and save some money,” said Euan Currie, a ski …