[matsemann]

No, one can now produce snow in ambient temperatures up to 25C. It gets a bit slushy, though, but when the snow heap is big enough it gets almost self sustained. It just costs a lot and is not environmentally friendly to use so much power to cool down the water in the snow cannons.

Locally they are experimenting on heat pump technology, and to use the excess heat to something useful. Then it might be more viable. Probably cannot do it in too high temperatures, but a bit above freezing should work.

Here, they have also experimented on building a gigantic heap of snow at the end of the season, and covering it so it doesn't melt too much during summer. Then it's easier to lay artificial snow on top in the fall, or the natural snow that occurs doesn't just melt when hitting the ground.

[notyourday]

If your ambient temperature is 25C, then your ground temperature is going to be way too high. It is simply not possible to cover 4-5 mile runs with 10" base at above freezing and keep it there for 3-4 months. Even if you do, first rain is going to chew through your base, not to mention the totally regular damage from skiers and snowboarders.

[cmrdporcupine]

Ground temp might not be that high if you're just talking about daily swings, which is how things have been going here in the east. Brutal cold followed by swings well above zero and rain.