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Italian Ski Resort Airlifts Snow by Helicopter to Keep Slopes Open

Operators cite a €6,000 operation to avert an estimated €500,000 revenue hit.

Overview

  • About 40 helicopter flights over roughly four hours moved snow onto the pistes at Monte Bondone near Trento.
  • Trento Funivie said the airlift followed warm temperatures and strong winds that made snow cannons unusable.
  • CEO Fulvio Rigotti described the helicopter effort as a temporary fix to maintain safe, skiable runs.
  • Environmental groups condemned the measure as an unacceptable attempt to compensate for adverse weather.
  • Italy has enforced a helmet mandate for all winter-sport participants since November 1, with fines and possible ski-pass loss for violations.